First-Time Sighting of Clavularia crassa

During a recent field survey, I had the exciting opportunity to record Clavularia crassa for the first time. This small, colonial soft coral is not only beautiful but also ecologically significant, often overlooked due to its modest size and cryptic appearance.

Clavularia crassa typically inhabits shaded rocky substrates, often in caves or under overhangs, and is known for its delicate, flower-like polyps with a central mouth surrounded by eight feathery tentacles. Though its presence has been noted in parts of the Mediterranean, confirmed records are scarce in many areas. My observation took place in Platanias, South Pelion, Greece and was documented using underwater macro photography.

This first-time sighting adds valuable data to regional biodiversity records and highlights the importance of microhabitat surveys. Every new observation of lesser-known species like Clavularia crassa helps refine our understanding of marine ecosystems and can inform conservation planning at the local level.

I’ve submitted the record to inaturalist, and the sighting will also be included in our upcoming species documentation through Merman Conservation Expeditions.