Sea Pansy
Renilla reniformis · Also known as: sea pansey
Leaf-shaped soft coral of sandy Mid-Atlantic bottoms. Purple “petals” bioluminesce and wash ashore after rough seas.
Quick facts
| Group | Other |
|---|---|
| Likelihood nearby | ★★★☆☆ |
| Habitats | Ocean beach, Offshore / ocean, Assateague State Park, Assateague National Seashore |
| Seasons (this coast) | summer, fall |
How to recognize them
- Flat, kidney- or leaf-shaped colony with a short peduncle (stalk) that anchors in sand.
- Purple to pink polyps on the upper surface; looks like a flower pressed in sand.
Biology notes
- Colonial octocoral that feeds on plankton; can glow when disturbed.
- Lives buried in shallow sand offshore; storms toss individuals onto beaches.
Where to see them around Ocean City
- Ocean City and Assateague beaches after northeast storms.
- Rarely seen live from shore except as strandings.
When to look
- Late summer–fall storm windows most productive.
Viewing tips & etiquette
- Return live sea pansies to the water if still soft and colorful; dried ones make poor keepsakes.
