#shape shifting soft corals snare the best snacks

[montereybayaquarium]

Animal, plant, or mineral? 🤔

Animal!!

When looking at this dramatic deep-sea denizen, it may be difficult to discern its designation. That’s because this aquatic animal — related to jellies and sea anemones — effortlessly shifts between two striking appearances. When the mushroom soft coral’s tentacles are sealed shut, it sports the semblance of a shroom. But when it's time to snare its supper, it blossoms into a flowery facade. How does this marvelous mushroom soft coral snare its snacks? Its tantalizing tentacles capture tiny travelers with their venomous stinging cells. 🍄🌼🌊