Reef Crown

Reef crowns are sessile filter feeding stephenozoans, but rather than primarily growing on rocks, they tend to build upon each other's skeletons, forming small reefs. Four reef crowns are pictured here resting. [Creature design by Dapper Dino]

Basic Information

Anatomy

Adult reef crown anatomy is very similar to rose crown anatomy, except that in the transition from the larval stage to the adult stage the motive tentacles are lost. They are also significantly larger, coming it at about 1cm from mouth the the aboral tip of the creature. Another major departure is that the reef crown secretes calcium carbonate (CaCO3). This builds up into a tube over time and provides a hold fast for younger reef crowns.

Genetics and Reproduction

Reef crowns have two sexes, and engage in broadcast spawning on full moons.

Growth Rate & Stages

After fertilization and initial embryonic development, a larval reef crown will look more or less the same as an adult rose crown. It will grow until it is about .5 cm long, gaining more in length than in circumference. At this point it will be large enough to overcome the currents and it will swim down to find a hold fast, preferring a substrate of calcium carbonate.

Dietary Needs and Habits

Reef crowns are filter feeders.

Additional Information

Geographic Origin and Distribution

Tropical shallow waters world wide.

Perception and Sensory Capabilities

Reef crowns are very sensitive to touch, but lacking even the most rudimentary brain they have no ability to hear or form images with any eyes. They are photosensitive, which helps them regulate their circadian rhythms though. This photosensitivity is done absent any particular eye spots, the whole body has low levels of photosensitivity and when photons in the peak spectrum of Ad Dhib hit any cells they release a hormone. The daily cycle of hormone release regulates their circadian cycle. All the tentacles are also chemoreceptive, and will shift toward the scent of food.

EXTINCT

Genetic Ancestor(s)

• Rose Crown

Genetic Descendants

• Jade Crown
• Rose Limpet
• Snare Crown

Scientific Name

Yphalostephanos anapiros

Origin/Ancestry

Stephenozoa

Lifespan

2 local years

Average Length

1 cm

Geographic Distribution

• Almaishah