Description

Also known as Coiled Coral, Spiral Coral, Whip Coral, Wire Coral.

Found over drop-offs, slopes, and terraces, of coral and rocky reefs. This genus has polyps on three sides, leaving one side bare.
They feed on plankton.
Length - 60cm
Depth - 15-40m
Widespread Indo-Pacific

They are called Black Corals because the inner skeleton is black, over this they have a fleshy skin that varies in colour with the different corals.
The polyps have six tentacles which although cannot be retracted, may shrink if disturbed.
A number of other animals live in the branches, e.g. Pteria penquin (Winged pearl oyster), Lopha cristagalli (Cock's comb oyster), Periclimenes sp.(Black coral shrimp). (edit) Ref: x