Voltar

Smooth cauliflower coral

Biology

This coral is considered the “tramp” species of the coral world, due to its tendency to attach itself to floating objects on which it travels hundreds of kilometres. It forms branched colonies, with short branches, composed of polyps bearing tentacles that are only extended at night. Its colours are variable between cream, pink, red, yellow and green.

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

During the juvenile phase, colonies of this coral are only female.