Finger leather coral

Biology

Corals in this genus have stalks that start at the trunk and branch like a small tree. The branches have small polyps which have the ability to retract fully after capturing food (zooplankton). They can also feed via zooxanthellae (small algae) hosted within their tissues, which provide nutrients from photosynthesis.

Conservation

Coral reefs around the world are in danger. The major threat to corals is global climate change, high temperatures and ocean acidification. Localized threats to corals include fisheries, invasive species, dynamite fishing, chemical fishing, pollution, sedimentation, and human recreation and tourism activities.

Curiosities

When these corals are disturbed, they secrete a toxic mucous coat, which drives away potential intruders in their territory.