Corky Sea Finger
Briareum asbestiumCorky Sea Finger grows two different ways. It will grow as one or several stalks or as thick encrustations. You can tell the Corky Sea Finger from other encrusting Gorgonians when polyps are retracted because the base is purple to purple-gray in color with large pores. The Gorgonian's base is always a light tan or peachy color with small pin hole pores and a reddish underside. When polyps are extended, the Corky Sea Finger's polyps are brown, greenish brown or brownish gray, have a flower-like appearance with swollen polyp openings. The Gorgonians polyps are light tan and thin and hair-like. The polyps of the Corky Sea Finger are visually larger than other octocorals and have a long furry appearance and the rods and bases look purple. Corky Sea Finger will often overgrow other gorgonians or sea plums. The erect colonies are also known as "Dead Man's Fingers"
Compare Corky (left) with Gorgonian (right)
