How big is the Cauliflower coral?

Cauliflower coral (Pocillopora damicornis) reaches 20–100 cm in length.

At what depth can you find the Cauliflower coral?

Cauliflower coral is found between 0–70 m deep.

What is the conservation status of the Cauliflower coral?

IUCN status: Least concern (LC).

Where can you find the Cauliflower coral?

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

Cauliflower coral (Pocillopora damicornis)

Key facts

Scientific name: Pocillopora damicornis
Common name: Cauliflower coral
Category: Corals
Family: Pocilloporidae
Genus: Pocillopora
Size: 20–100 cm
Depth: 0–70 m
IUCN status: Least concern (LC)
Danger level: Harmless
Habitats: reef
Behaviours: sessile, colonial
Ocean zones: Asian Pacific, Indian Ocean & Red Sea, Eastern Pacific

Description

Pocillopora damicornis forms compact branching colonies resembling cauliflower, 20 cm to 1 m. Pink, brown, green or purple depending on light. Major Indo-Pacific reef-builder, fast-growing. Home to many symbiotic crustaceans including Trapezia and Liomera crabs that defend it from Acanthaster sea stars in exchange for shelter. Very resilient, regenerates quickly after disturbances. From 0 to 70 m.

Photo of Cauliflower coral

Frequently asked questions

How big is the Cauliflower coral?: Cauliflower coral (Pocillopora damicornis) reaches 20–100 cm in length.
At what depth can you find the Cauliflower coral?: Cauliflower coral is found between 0–70 m deep.
Is the Cauliflower coral dangerous to divers?: Danger level: Harmless.
What is the conservation status of the Cauliflower coral?: IUCN status: Least concern (LC).
Where can you find the Cauliflower coral?: Found in: Asian Pacific, Indian Ocean & Red Sea, Eastern Pacific.

Other species in the family Pocilloporidae

Sources

Taxonomy: WoRMS (AphiaID 206953)
Photos: iNaturalist (CC BY-NC)
Distribution: GBIF (taxonKey 2259464)
Conservation: IUCN Red List
Encyclopedia: Wikipedia