Dead man’s fingers (Alcyonium digitatum)

Species information

Videos and images

Learn about the scientific name of this species and how it fits into the tree of life at Nature Navigator.

Authentication

This information is awaiting authentication by a species expert, and will be updated as soon as possible. If you are able to help please contact: arkive@wildscreen.org.uk

Glossary

Cilia: microscopic hair-like appendages found on the surface of cells or single-celled organisms. In some species, cilia are used in locomotion or in feeding; by rhythmically contracting they can generate currents in the surrounding fluid.
Hermaphroditic: possessing both male and female sex organs.
Larvae: stage in an animal’s lifecycle after it hatches from the egg. Larvae are typically very different in appearance to adults; they are able to feed and move around but usually are unable to reproduce.
Plankton: aquatic organisms that drift with water movements; may be either phytoplankton (plants), or zooplankton (animals).
Polyp: typically sedentary soft-bodied component of cnidaria (corals, sea pens etc), which comprise of a trunk that is fixed at the base; the mouth is placed at the opposite end of the trunk, and is surrounded by tentacles.

References

Budd, G.C. (2001) Alcyonium digitatum. Dead man’s fingers. Marine Life Information Network: Biology and Sensitivity Key Information Sub-programme. [On-line]. Plymouth: Marine Biological Association of the United Kingdom. (November, 2003)
http://www.marlin.ac.uk/species/Alcyoniumdigitatum.htm
Fish, J.D. and Fish, S. (1989) A student’s guide to the seashore.Unwin Hyman Ltd., London.
Gibson, R., Hextall, B. and Rogers, A. (2001) Photographic Guide to the Sea & Shore Life of Britain and North-west Europe.Oxford University Press, Oxford.