Giant Black Coral Whip
Cirrhipathes
Also known as: Black Coral Sea Whip, Black Wire Coral, Coiled Coral, Deepwater Wire Coral, Spiral Coral, Spiral Sea Whip, Spiral Whip Coral, Spiral Wire Coral, Whip Coral, Wire Coral
- Black Coral Sea Whip
- Black Wire Coral
- Coiled Coral
- Deepwater Wire Coral
- Spiral Coral
- Spiral Sea Whip
- Spiral Whip Coral
- Spiral Wire Coral
- Whip Coral
- Wire Coral
Overview
Found over drop-offs, slopes, and terraces, of coral and rocky reefs.
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).
How to identify
Habitat & where to find it
- Range · Indo-Pacific
- Country only · 4
Found over drop-offs, slopes, and terraces, of coral and rocky reefs.
Adult photos 4
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Deep dive
More in the family
Antipatharia
