WHATSTHATFISH
Corals & anemones

Yellow Naked Soft Coral

Chironephthya

Also known as: Fan Thistle Coral, Limp Coral, Soft Tree Coral, Thistle Coral, Tree Coral

Adult
@fishx6 · Mirihi Island Resort, Maldives · May 20081 / 1
01

Overview

Found in caves and under ledges, along drop-offs and walls, 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.

02

How to identify

COLOURS
Body shape
bush

Tap any trait to see other fish that share it.

03

Habitat & where to find it

  • Range · Indo-Pacific, Western Atlantic
  • Country only · 1
LIVES IN

Found in caves and under ledges, along drop-offs and walls, of coral and rocky reefs.

04

Adult photos 1

05

Discussion

Comments are checked by a moderator before they appear.

No comments yet. Seen one, or got a question about it? Start the discussion.

    ALL STAGES
    FOR THE MARINE-BIOLOGY CURIOUS

    Deep dive

    Taxonomy

    1. kingdomAnimalia
    2. phylumCnidaria
    3. classOctocorallia
    4. orderMalacalcyonacea
    5. familySiphonogorgiidae
    6. genusChironephthya Studer, 1887

    SourcesWoRMS

    06

    More in the family

    Malacalcyonacea