Description: This small soft coral typically forms Alcyonium-like fingers up to 40mm tall. It is pink in colour, with white flecks on the tentacles.

Habitat: Found in localities somewhat sheltered from strong wave action and out of the light. On rocks with little algal growth, beneath overhangs, in crevices, caves, on wrecks, etc. Depth range 0-35m. May occur in enclosed situations such as sea lochs (loughs) where salinity is slightly reduced.

Ecology: Known to produce larvae which settle close to the parent colony, resulting in very localised distribution.

Distribution: Very local on west coasts of the British Isles, north to Mull, western Scotland. Can be quite common in suitable localities.

Similar Species: May be confused with small colonies of Alcyonium digitatum but habitat preferences, colour and 'spangled' appearance of polyps should enable a positive identification.

Key Identification Features:

• Small size and (usually) pink coloration.

Distribution Map from NBN: Alcyonium hibernicum at National Biodiversity Network mapping facility, data for UK.

iNaturalist: Alcyonium hibernicum at iNaturalist World Species Observations database.

WoRMS: Alcyonium hibernicum at World Register of Marine Species. Accepted name: Alcyonium hibernicum (Renouf, 1931). AphiaID: 178914.

Classification: Biota; Animalia; Cnidaria; Anthozoa; Octocorallia; Malacalcyonacea; Alcyoniidae; Alcyonium