Flower Soft Coral (Anthelia glauca)

Also known as Anthelia Coral, Bush Coral, Giant Anthelia Octocoral, Soft Tree Coral, Tree Coral, Waving Hand Coral, Wood's Polyp Coral

Description

Also known as Anthelia Coral, Bush Coral, Giant Anthelia Octocoral, Soft Tree Coral, Tree Coral, Waving Hand Coral, Wood's Polyp Coral.

Found in colonies, mixed with other corals, amongst rubble, and soft sand, over shallow waters, of coral and rocky reefs. During the day the polyps sway and contract in a rhythmic fashion.
They feed on plankton.
Length - 25cm
Depth - 6-20m
Widespread Indo-Pacific

Most soft corals have no true skeleton and so their bodies are flexible.
Some soft corals have spikes very similar to rose thorns which may help to protect against predators.
Soft corals are food and shelter to many marine animals, some of which hide in the branches and take on the colouration of these corals. (edit) Ref: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anthelia_glauca

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