Muricea californica
62cm
12-30m
191 sites
Plexauridae
Imagine descending into the kelp forests of California, the sun filtering through the swaying fronds. Suddenly, you spot a splash of gold amidst the green – a California Golden Gorgonian! These striking soft corals, resembling miniature underwater trees, add a vibrant touch to the reef. While you won't find them in shallow snorkeling areas, scuba divers exploring depths between 12 and 30 meters in the Eastern Pacific, especially the Northeast Pacific, have the best chance of encountering these beauties. They're sessile, meaning they stay put, so take your time to admire their delicate structure and the marine life that often makes its home amongst their branches. Keep an eye out for nudibranchs or small fish seeking shelter within the gorgonian's embrace.
The California Golden Gorgonian is primarily identified by its distinctive golden-yellow color, though it can occasionally exhibit orange hues. It grows in a branching, tree-like structure, typically reaching around 60cm but sometimes growing larger. Look for its rough, textured surface and the small polyps that extend from the branches. Unlike some other corals, it lacks a hard, stony skeleton. They are found in deeper waters, typically below the kelp forest canopy.
235 sites
