The Northern Sea Fan, or Swiftia dubia, is a horny coral restricted in the UK to north western coasts of Scotland. Also seen occasionally in the Bay of Biscay and the Mediterranean. It is usually about 10cms high but can grow to perhaps twice this. It is usually white but can also be grey and at times show a touch of pink. Usually seen below a depth of 15m, it lives attached to cliffs and boulders where there is a reasonable tidal flow. The coral polyps feed on organisms they catch as the water flows through the fan. Frequently found amongst cup corals which are evident in this photo.

The Northern Sea Fan, or Swiftia dubia, is a horny coral restricted in the UK to north western coasts of Scotland. Also seen occasionally in the Bay of Biscay and the Mediterranean. It is usually about 10cms high but can grow to perhaps twice this. It is usually white but can also be grey and at times show a touch of pink. Usually seen below a depth of 15m, it lives attached to cliffs and boulders where there is a reasonable tidal flow. The coral polyps feed on organisms they catch as the water flows through the fan. Frequently found amongst cup corals which are evident in this photo.