Christmas tree hydroid - Idroide piumato

Pennaria disticha, also known as the Christmas tree hydroid, is a species of athecate hydroid in the family Pennariidae. Colonies are common in the Mediterranean Sea growing on rocks close to the surface. This species has been used in research into prey capture. Colonies of Pennaria disticha consist of numerous much-branched stems up to 30 cm high. The branching system is alternate.

Astrospartus mediterraneus

The Basket Star (Astrospartus mediterraneus), (Risso,1826) is a echinoderm belongs to the phylum Echinodermata, to the Ophiuroidea class, Gorgonocephalidae family. The Basket Star is characterized by five tentacles, each branched several times, with which it clings to the branches of the soft corals and which are opened at night to feed on. The body has a diameter that can reach 8 centimeters, ...

Mediterranean coral reef of Calafuria

Calafuria coral reef near Livorno is one of the most beautiful coastal areas in Tuscany in the stretch from Quercianella to Livorno. Overlooking the sea, this splendid cliff continues its profile even under the sea surface until it reaches a depth of 36 meters, a short distance from the shore, and then rests ...