General Description

Solitary coral. Colour variable, including orange, blue or purple. Tentacles shaded in similar colours but always transparent, revealing the stinging cells (nematocysts) embedded in the tissue. Trunk up to 4 cm wide.

Biology

This species of coral does not have zooxanthellae and consequently it is not reliant on sunlight for food. It captures plankton for food.

Distribution

Pacific Islands. South-eastern Australian coasts.

Habitat

Low-light areas, overhangs and caves, to depth of 128 m.

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