Alcyonacea

/ælˌsaɪəˈneɪʃə/ noun

Definition

A taxonomic order of soft corals and sea pens that includes many colorful marine organisms found in oceans worldwide.

Etymology

From alcyon- (sea coral) plus the taxonomic suffix -acea, following scientific Latin naming conventions established by Linnaeus and other naturalists in the 17th-18th centuries.

Kelly Says

Sea pens, which belong to this group, look like quill pens and can create light shows by releasing millions of glowing particles when disturbed—they're basically underwater light-up toys!

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