Blue Ridge Coral (Heliopora coerulea)

Also known as Blue Coral, Colonial Coral, Indo-Pacific Blue Coral, Octocoral, Stony Blue Octocoral

Description

Also known as Blue Coral, Colonial Coral, Indo-Pacific Blue Coral, Octocoral, Stony Blue Octocoral.

Found in large colonies, over exposed, or very shallow waters of reef flats and intertidal regions.
They feed on plankton.
Length - 100cm
Depth - 0-3m
Widespread Indo-West Pacific

Although this coral has a hard skeleton it is still considered a soft coral!

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. Ref: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Blue_coral

0 comments

Leave a comment

Known Sightings / Photograph Locations

Share this: