How big is the Branching cup coral?

Branching cup coral (Tubastraea micranthus) reaches 30–100 cm in length.

At what depth can you find the Branching cup coral?

Branching cup coral is found between 5–50 m deep.

What is the conservation status of the Branching cup coral?

IUCN status: Least concern (LC).

Where can you find the Branching cup coral?

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

Branching cup coral (Tubastraea micranthus)

Key facts

Scientific name: Tubastraea micranthus
Common name: Branching cup coral
Category: Corals
Family: Dendrophylliidae
Genus: Tubastraea
Size: 30–100 cm
Depth: 5–50 m
IUCN status: Least concern (LC)
Danger level: Harmless
Habitats: coral-reef, wreck
Behaviours: sessile, colonial, filter-feeder
Ocean zones: Asian Pacific, Indian Ocean & Red Sea

Description

Tubastraea micranthus reaches 1 m colonies. Hard coral (Scleractinia) in branching black bush with very developed bright fluorescent orange-yellow polyps open all day long (rare in hard corals). Without symbiotic zooxanthellae (azooxanthellate), feeds exclusively by filtering zooplankton, hence vivid non-photosymbiotic colors. Lives from 5 to 50 m on drop-offs, overhangs and wrecks of Indo-Pacific. Listed LC. Iconic wide-angle photo subject for orange colors open on contrasting black background.

Frequently asked questions

How big is the Branching cup coral?: Branching cup coral (Tubastraea micranthus) reaches 30–100 cm in length.
At what depth can you find the Branching cup coral?: Branching cup coral is found between 5–50 m deep.
Is the Branching cup coral dangerous to divers?: Danger level: Harmless.
What is the conservation status of the Branching cup coral?: IUCN status: Least concern (LC).
Where can you find the Branching cup coral?: Found in: Asian Pacific, Indian Ocean & Red Sea.

Other species in the family Dendrophylliidae

Sources

Taxonomy: WoRMS (AphiaID 291255)
Photos: iNaturalist (CC BY-NC)
Distribution: GBIF (taxonKey 2259550)
Conservation: IUCN Red List
Encyclopedia: Wikipedia