Abietinaria inconstans (Clark 1877)

This closer view of the colony shows the polyps (within their hydrothecae) along the two sides of each branch. Notice that the branches are about twice as wide as the hydrothecae are.

The individual hydrothecae can be clearly seen in this closer view. The colony is a bit fouled by diatoms and other debris.

In this photo of an individual hydrotheca, the darker operculum which is attached on the side nearest the stalk can be seen.

Abietinaria inconstans colony, about 8 cm tall, found at 90 m depth in the San Juan Channel. This colony is heavily encrusted with small bryozoans and tubeworms. (Photo by: Dave Cowles, August 2014)