Midnight Coral

Scientific Name: Tubastraea micrantha
Species: Stony Corals (Dentrophylliidae)
Other names: Tubastrea micrantha, Flower Corals, Tubastraea Tube Coral, Sun Coral, Black Sun Coral, Cup Coral, Green Cup Coral, Turret Coral, Daisy Coral.

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Description

Also known as Tubastrea micrantha, Flower Corals, Tubastraea Tube Coral, Sun Coral, Black Sun Coral, Cup Coral, Green Cup Coral, Turret Coral and Daisy Coral.

Found on coral and rocky reefs on reef flats, terraces and drop-off's, in deep water with strong currents.
Often tall and branching.
Colour varies from dark green to apricot colour with a green sheen.
They feed on plankton.
Length - 1m
Depth - 25-40m
Widespread Indo-Pacific

Stony corals have hard stony skeletons, their polyps have six tentacles or are made up of multiples of six. These are usually nocturnal, however if the sky's are overcast, then many will feed during the day.
Generally the more robust corals life on exposed areas, while the smaller corals live in sheltered lagoons or deeper waters.
Stony corals are reef building corals and embedded in their flesh are thousands of minute single-celled marine plants called zooxanthellae which accounts for their colour.
These corals support a huge diversity of life, their main predator being the crown-of-thorns sea star. (edit)

Spotted

The Midnight Coral is found in or near the Indo-Pacific region(s) and has been photographed 8 times by users @fishx6 @epic

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