Meet the Veretillum cynomorium

Davide DB · 2024-12-04T16:05:39Z

The Veretillum cynomorium is a colonial octocoral belonging to the class Anthozoa and the order Pennatulacea. This organism is anchored to the sandy or muddy bottoms of the Mediterranean and Atlantic, distinguished by its fleshy, elongated appearance and its ability to emit a faint bioluminescence. It is made up of a colony of polyps, each with specific functions, working together to feed and reproduce.
Bottom trawling and fishing gear that touches the seafloor can destroy entire colonies, tearing them from the substrate or damaging their habitat. Additionally, climate change, such as rising temperatures and ocean acidification, can impact their delicate ecological balance, even through indirect effects like the decrease in plankton, which they feed on.
To preserve this species and its valuable role in benthic ecosystems, it is crucial to protect the seabed with marine protected areas and promote sustainable fishing practices. The Veretillum reminds us of how fragile marine life’s balance is and how important it is to safeguard it.

Shot on Lumix GH5MII, Panasonic Leica 45mm; CMC-2; lights: RGBlue + XDive