Carnation Tree Coral
Dendronephthya
Also known as: Carnation Coral, Cauliflower Soft Coral, Dendronephthya Carnation, Divaricate Tree Coral, Mauve Spiky Soft Coral, Prickly Alcyonarian Coral, Purple Soft Finger, Soft Tree Coral, Strawberry Soft Coral, Thistle Coral, Tree Coral
- Carnation Coral
- Cauliflower Soft Coral
- Dendronephthya Carnation
- Divaricate Tree Coral
- Mauve Spiky Soft Coral
- Prickly Alcyonarian Coral
- Purple Soft Finger
- Soft Tree Coral
- Strawberry Soft Coral
- Thistle Coral
- Tree Coral
Overview
Found in caves and on shaded ledges of coral and rocky reefs.
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.
How to identify
Habitat & where to find it
- Range · Indo-Pacific
- Exact location · 4
- Country only · 8
Found in caves and on shaded ledges of coral and rocky reefs.
Adult photos 12
Other species worth knowing
Partners, neighbours & enemies
Discussion
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Deep dive
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