Elegance coral (Catalaphyllia jardinei)
Key facts
- Scientific name
- Catalaphyllia jardinei
- Common name
- Elegance coral
- Category
- Corals
- Family
- Merulinidae
- Genus
- Catalaphyllia
- Size
- 20–60 cm
- Depth
- 2–40 m
- IUCN status
- Vulnerable (VU)
- Danger level
- Harmless
- Habitats
- coral-reef, mud
- Behaviours
- sessile
- Ocean zones
- Asian Pacific, Indian Ocean & Red Sea
Description
Catalaphyllia jardinei reaches 60 cm. Solitary hard coral with extraordinary colors: fluorescent pink fleshy central disc with radial green patterns, surrounded by fan of cylindrical fluorescent pink-purple tentacles with green or white tips. Lives from 2 to 40 m in coral reefs and calm muddy zones of Indo-Pacific. Listed VU by IUCN following intense aquarium trade. Stunning colors, one of the most photographed and sought-after corals. CITES protection since 2024.
Frequently asked questions
- How big is the Elegance coral?
- Elegance coral (Catalaphyllia jardinei) reaches 20–60 cm in length.
- At what depth can you find the Elegance coral?
- Elegance coral is found between 2–40 m deep.
- Is the Elegance coral dangerous to divers?
- Danger level: Harmless.
- What is the conservation status of the Elegance coral?
- IUCN status: Vulnerable (VU).
- Where can you find the Elegance coral?
- Found in: Asian Pacific, Indian Ocean & Red Sea.
Other species in the family Merulinidae
Sources
- Taxonomy: WoRMS (AphiaID 207618)
- Photos: iNaturalist (CC BY-NC)
- Distribution: GBIF (taxonKey 2259226)
- Conservation: IUCN Red List
- Encyclopedia: Wikipedia