Marine life profile

Sea Pens

Recorded at 0 dive sites

Where divers encounter it

Explore Sea Pens around the world

<b>Sea pens</b> are marine cnidarians belonging to the superfamily <b>Pennatuloidea</b>, which are colony-forming benthic filter feeders within the order Scleralcyonacea. Watch before moving closer. Its direction, posture and use of cover reveal whether it is feeding, resting or avoiding attention.

Dive sites0

Countries0

Animal groupOther

Safety profileGenerally Harmless

Meet the species

What to look for

How to Recognize It

Look for the body shape, movement and markings that make this animal stand out from its surroundings.

How It Behaves

Watch before moving closer. Its direction, posture and use of cover reveal whether it is feeding, resting or avoiding attention.

Special Ability

Its most striking adaptation is closely matched to the habitat and the way it finds food or avoids predators.

Dive responsibly

Share the water well

How to Approach

Approach slowly, stay neutrally buoyant and let the animal control the encounter.

Safety

Do not touch, feed or restrain wildlife. Give unfamiliar animals extra space and follow local guidance.

Worth knowing

The detail you remember

Interesting Facts

There are 14 families within the order and 35 extant genera, and it is estimated as of 2011 that, of 450 described species, around 200 are valid.

Where to Find

Search the habitat edges where food, shelter and water movement create the right conditions.