False red coral (Myriapora truncata)
Key facts
- Scientific name
- Myriapora truncata
- Common name
- False red coral
- Category
- Other species
- Family
- Myriaporidae
- Genus
- Myriapora
- Size
- 5–15 cm
- Depth
- 5–60 m
- IUCN status
- Least concern (LC)
- Danger level
- Harmless
- Habitats
- rocky-reef
- Behaviours
- benthic, colonial
- Ocean zones
- East Atlantic, Mediterranean
Description
Myriapora truncata reaches 15 cm. Colonial bryozoan (Myriaporidae) Mediterranean with erect colonial body in short cylindrical truncated branches red-orange to salmon-red (hence truncata), surface covered with cell-like zooecia. Lives from 5 to 60 m on rocky reefs, caves and sciaphilic overhangs of Mediterranean. Often confused with Corallium rubrum (red coral) but much more fragile and without massive calcareous skeleton. Plankton filter feeder. Common Mediterranean dive photo subject in caves and low-light drop-offs.
Photo of False red coral
Frequently asked questions
- How big is the False red coral?
- False red coral (Myriapora truncata) reaches 5–15 cm in length.
- At what depth can you find the False red coral?
- False red coral is found between 5–60 m deep.
- Is the False red coral dangerous to divers?
- Danger level: Harmless.
- What is the conservation status of the False red coral?
- IUCN status: Least concern (LC).
- Where can you find the False red coral?
- Found in: East Atlantic, Mediterranean.
Similar species
Sources
- Taxonomy: WoRMS (AphiaID 111435)
- Photos: iNaturalist (CC BY-NC)
- Distribution: GBIF (taxonKey 1005328)
- Conservation: IUCN Red List
- Encyclopedia: Wikipedia