Description

Also known as Branching Leather Soft Coral, Broccoli Coral, Flower Tree Coral, Soft Tree Coral, Tree Coral.

Found on reef flats and slopes, of fringing and patch reefs. Tree-like, with slender smooth branches, colour is usually cream.
They feed on plankton.
Length - Spreading
Depth - 5-20m
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: x