User:Elliemcintyre22/Chrysogorgia elegans

(Article Draft) Soft Coral
Soft coral (Chrysogorgia elegans) is a species of coral in the family of Chrysogorgiidae. It is found in the Gulf of Mexico as well as several areas of the Mediterranean Sea and in the northern part of the Atlantic Ocean.

Distribution
There are reported sightings of Chrysogorgia elegans that sare located mostly in tropical areas, but some were seen in subtropical waters. They do not produce reef like structures, but are capable of living on them. They tend to be found on mid shelf reefs. They prefer clear nutrient rich waters. They are found in the deep sea.

Description
The size of this species ranges from half an inch to eight inches. It is one of the slowest growing species of coral. The rate growth of this species is 0.3 centimeters to 2 centimeters per year. It is said to take up to 10,000 years for a reef of this type of coral to form from a group of larvae. They are distinguished from other coral species due to their unique branching patterns.

Reproduction
Soft corals can reproduce by self- fertilization or by mating with a male. They can reproduce both sexually and asexually. When they reproduce asexual it occurs by budding. A new polyp will grow out of an existing one.

Diet
Most soft corals such as Chrysogorgia elegans depend strictly on the ingestion of phytoplankton as well as zooplankton and other small algae. They also rely on flowing detritus. They intake food by policing out of their Skeletons to feed. Their target food is pulled into the polyps mouth and then disgusted in their stomachs.

Uses
Unfortunately soft corals are toxic to humans. This specific species have a chemical referred to as PTX, which can not be ingested.