How big is the Blue coral?

Blue coral (Heliopora coerulea) reaches 30–200 cm in length.

At what depth can you find the Blue coral?

Blue coral is found between 1–20 m deep.

Where can you find the Blue coral?

Found in: Asian Pacific, Indian Ocean & Red Sea.

Blue coral (Heliopora coerulea)

Key facts

Scientific name: Heliopora coerulea
Common name: Blue coral
Category: Corals
Family: Helioporidae
Genus: Heliopora
Size: 30–200 cm
Depth: 1–20 m
IUCN status: Vulnerable (VU)
Danger level: Harmless
Habitats: coral-reef
Behaviours: sessile, colonial
Ocean zones: Asian Pacific, Indian Ocean & Red Sea

Description

Heliopora coerulea reaches 2 m colonies. Only coral worldwide with truly blue skeleton (iron salt in aragonite). Octocorallia with polyps resembling Alcyoniidae (dead man's fingers) but with hard skeleton like Scleractinia. White to light-brown polyps. Branching or massive colonies. Lives from 1 to 20 m on coral reefs of western and central Indo-Pacific (Maldives, Philippines, Indonesia, New Caledonia). Listed VU by IUCN following reef destruction. Living witness species (Triassic fossils). Spectacular in photo when broken, reveals internal color.

Photo of Blue coral

Frequently asked questions

How big is the Blue coral?: Blue coral (Heliopora coerulea) reaches 30–200 cm in length.
At what depth can you find the Blue coral?: Blue coral is found between 1–20 m deep.
Is the Blue coral dangerous to divers?: Danger level: Harmless.
What is the conservation status of the Blue coral?: IUCN status: Vulnerable (VU).
Where can you find the Blue coral?: Found in: Asian Pacific, Indian Ocean & Red Sea.

Similar species

Sources

Taxonomy: WoRMS (AphiaID 210725)
Photos: iNaturalist (CC BY-NC)
Distribution: GBIF (taxonKey 2264328)
Conservation: IUCN Red List
Encyclopedia: Wikipedia