Flat-sided Fire Coral

Scientific Name: Millepora sp.
Species: Hydroids (Milleporidae)
Other names: Octocorals, Fire Hydroid, Fire Corals, Encrusting Corals, Plate Fire Corals, Branching Fire Corals.

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Flat-sided Fire Coral

Uploaded by: @fishx6 in July 2009
Photographed at: Flair Point - Coral Sea - Australia
Caption: No caption available
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Description

Also known as Octocorals, Fire Hydroid, Fire Corals, Encrusting Corals, Plate Fire Corals and Branching Fire Corals.

Found on coral and rocky reefs in fairly shallow waters with high energy surge zones.
They feed on plankton.
Length - 1m
Depth - 2-10m
Widespread Indo-Pacific

This hydroid has a powerful sting.

Hydroids look like tiny ferns or feathers, many are smaller than 5cm although some can grow to 50cm.
They are found competing for space with sponges on bare patches of dead coral and rocks.
Stinging hydroid polyps are very small and are carried on the stem and side branches of feather/fern like colonies. The specific layout of the polyps on the branches, as well as the arrangement of the branches are used to classify different species.
The class Hydrozoa encompasses the most diverse group of venomous species and includes the stinging hydroids, hydrocorals (firecorals) and the portugese man of war (siphonophore)
Some species can inflict painful stings. (edit)