Distribution: Gulf St. Vincent, Spencer Gulf and northern Kangaroo Island
Habitat: Jetty pylons and rocky areas
Depth: Subtidal
Although it resembles a zoanthid, E. hicksoni is an encrusting form of gorgonian, or soft coral. It forms cream to tan mats that encrust jetty pylons and rocks, often overgrowing other organisms. Polyps are scattered throughout the mat, with brown tentacles. This species can be confused with zoanthids, such as Epizoanthus sabulosum, a species which usually encrusts sponges (particularly a bright red Clathria), and has larger polyps.
