Branching fire coral (Millepora alcicornis)
Key facts
- Scientific name
- Millepora alcicornis
- Common name
- Branching fire coral
- Category
- Cnidarians
- Family
- Milleporidae
- Genus
- Millepora
- Size
- 20–100 cm
- Depth
- 1–40 m
- IUCN status
- Least concern (LC)
- Danger level
- Venomous
- Habitats
- reef
- Behaviours
- sessile, colonial
- Ocean zones
- Caribbean, Macaronesia, Eastern Pacific
Description
Millepora alcicornis forms branching or plate colonies in mustard-yellow to yellow-brown, resembling antlers (alcicornis). It is not a true coral but a colonial hydrozoan whose nematocysts inflict a painful persistent burn on contact with bare skin. Very common in shallow water on all Caribbean reefs. Cover exposed skin. Stings can last several days.
Photo of Branching fire coral
Frequently asked questions
- How big is the Branching fire coral?
- Branching fire coral (Millepora alcicornis) reaches 20–100 cm in length.
- At what depth can you find the Branching fire coral?
- Branching fire coral is found between 1–40 m deep.
- Is the Branching fire coral dangerous to divers?
- Danger level: Venomous.
- What is the conservation status of the Branching fire coral?
- IUCN status: Least concern (LC).
- Where can you find the Branching fire coral?
- Found in: Caribbean, Macaronesia, Eastern Pacific.
Similar species
- Cyanea capillata - Lion's mane jellyfish
- Plumularia setacea - Feathery hydroid
- Cassiopea andromeda - Upside-down jellyfish
- Condylactis gigantea - Giant Caribbean anemone
- Bartholomea annulata - Corkscrew anemone
- Palythoa caribaeorum - Caribbean mat zoanthid
Sources
- Taxonomy: WoRMS (AphiaID 210726)
- Photos: iNaturalist (CC BY-NC)
- Distribution: GBIF (taxonKey 2265089)
- Conservation: IUCN Red List
- Encyclopedia: Wikipedia