The red sea whip, or the Leptogorgia virgulata, is found mainly in the Atlantic Ocean. This interesting soft coral species is part of the octocorals, or Gorgoniidae, family. The red sea whip is an important factor in the coral ecosystem as it houses quite a few different creatures. Although they are passive feeders, they are still carnivorous beings.


Appearance

The red sea whip is known for its whip-like stems or tentacles. As octocorals, they possess eight tentacles. These have nematocysts, a toxic stinging ability that allows them to defend against predators and paralyze their prey.

The typical height of a red sea whip specimen is about 20 cm and can reach up to 60 cm to 1 meter in adulthood. They typically grow in an upright structure.

A key variation from normal coral is the structure of its skeleton. A lot of corals have a calcium carbonate skeleton. However, the red sea whip has an internal axial skeleton.

The red sea whip has distinctive tentacles
The red sea whip has distinctive tentacles


Habitat

The red sea whip coral typically grows on rocky surfaces in the Atlantic Ocean. They operate most efficiently at around 20 meters depth or 66 feet. They are most often found on shallow rock and tidal creeks.

Although not threatened, the habitat of the sea whip coral is under threat from overfishing. Trawler nets and pollution are having a sustained impact on coral reefs worldwide.

Diet

The red sea whip coral, like other whip corals, is a suspension feeder. This means that they are passive in nature, allowing plankton and other nutritious particles to get caught up in their whip-like stalks. The feeding part of their anatomy is the polyps, this line the tentacles and suck in passing plankton and food sources.

Lifespan

Many coral-based lifeforms can live up to 5000 years. This makes them some of the longest-living organisms on Earth. From the larval stage, it can take the whip coral up to 20 years to reach its fully-grown state.

Reproduction

The red sea whip coral is gonochoristic, following the typical two-sex system. Their fertilization method is an external one. Eggs and sperm are released into the water column, which is then fertilized once they come into contact.

The larval stage then begins, which can last for 3-20 days. They float around until a suitable surface, or rocky substrate is found to settle on. Once this stage begins, the chances of survival are pretty slim. However, those that do survive to blossom into healthy colonies.

It is one of the most common structures in Atlantic waters
It is one of the most common structures in Atlantic waters


Threats

The main threat to the red sea whip coral and other corals, in general, are habitat loss and pollution. This is due to human activity and intervention. However, the red sea whip is not currently listed on the IUCN conservation list and is not under threat.

Although they do not have many predatory threats, they are somewhat of a house for many species. Oyster species, algae, barnacles, and bryozoans are all thought to attempt to attach themselves to the tentacles of the sea whip. However, the red sea whip has developed strategies to deter both predation and unwanted settlers. It releases a chemical that prevents the build-up of larvae on its tissue. This formula has been subject to research for human use.

Facts about the Red Sea Whip

  • The red sea whip is a carnivorous coral species.
  • They are currently not under threat and are flourishing.
  • Some oyster species attach themselves to them for camouflage.
  • They utilize external fertilization, which helps the spread of the species.
  • The red sea whip thrives on hard surfaces.
  • Leptogorgia virgulata colonies are found in shallow water reefs as opposed to deep water.


FAQs

Why is the Red Sea whip important?

The red sea whip is important for the reef ecosystem as it acts as an abundant structure from which many species can thrive.

What eats the Red Sea whip?

Despite the red sea whip’s toxic defense mechanism, it occasionally falls foul to the predation of nudibranchs and burrfish.

Is sea whip a coral?

The sea whip is certainly a coral species. However, it is different from many species in that it has an internal axial skeleton rather than a calcium carbonate skeleton.

How do sea whips reproduce?

Sea whips reproduce by releasing their respective gametes into the water column. External fertilization then occurs. The larvae then search for a suitable hard surface to grow.

About Ocean Info

At Ocean Info, we dive deep into ocean-related topics such as sealife, exploration of the sea, rivers, areas of geographical importance, sailing, and more.

We achieve this by having the best team create content - this ranges from marine experts, trained scuba divers, marine-related enthusiasts, and more.

Sea Anemone with Clownfish

Dive into more, the ocean is more than just a surface view

Bottlenose dolphins are known to help stranded humans back to the shore

8 of the Most Intelligent Marine Animals

From dolphins' awe-inspiring communication skills to orcas' social complexity, the ocean is home to some of the most intelligent marine animals.

Share to...