How big is the Finger leather coral?

Finger leather coral (Sinularia flexibilis) reaches 30–100 cm in length.

At what depth can you find the Finger leather coral?

Finger leather coral is found between 2–30 m deep.

What is the conservation status of the Finger leather coral?

IUCN status: Least concern (LC).

Where can you find the Finger leather coral?

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

Finger leather coral (Sinularia flexibilis)

Key facts

Scientific name: Sinularia flexibilis
Common name: Finger leather coral
Category: Corals
Family: Sinulariidae
Genus: Sinularia
Size: 30–100 cm
Depth: 2–30 m
IUCN status: Least concern (LC)
Danger level: Harmless
Habitats: coral-reef
Behaviours: sessile, colonial
Ocean zones: Asian Pacific, Indian Ocean & Red Sea

Description

Sinularia flexibilis forms 1 m colonies in hand shape with thick fleshy olive-greenish to yellow-brown fingers, leather texture. White extractile polyps. Octocorallia without rigid skeleton (soft coral). Lives from 2 to 30 m on shallow coral reefs and lagoons of entire Indo-Pacific. Produces powerful secondary metabolites (sesquiterpenes) studied for anti-cancer and anti-inflammatory properties in marine pharmacology. Listed LC. Common, wide-angle photo subject for voluminous mass.

Photo of Finger leather coral

Frequently asked questions

How big is the Finger leather coral?: Finger leather coral (Sinularia flexibilis) reaches 30–100 cm in length.
At what depth can you find the Finger leather coral?: Finger leather coral is found between 2–30 m deep.
Is the Finger leather coral dangerous to divers?: Danger level: Harmless.
What is the conservation status of the Finger leather coral?: IUCN status: Least concern (LC).
Where can you find the Finger leather coral?: Found in: Asian Pacific, Indian Ocean & Red Sea.

Similar species

Sources

Taxonomy: WoRMS (AphiaID 288521)
Photos: iNaturalist (CC BY-NC)
Distribution: GBIF (taxonKey 2262722)
Conservation: IUCN Red List
Encyclopedia: Wikipedia