Net Fire Coral (Millepora dichotoma)

Also known as Fire Coral, Fire Hydroid, Lace Coral, Octocoral

Description

Also known as Fire Coral, Fire Hydroid, Lace Coral, Octocoral.

Found growing in fan shaped colonies, over exposed portions of upper reef slopes, growing transverse to the prevailing current, for maximum exposure for feeding, over lagoons, inner and outer reefs.
They feed on plankton.
Length - Individual Fan 60cm - Clumps may be several metres.
Depth - 1-15m
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. Ref: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Millepora_dichotoma

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