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Organ pipe coral (Tubipora musica)

Key facts

Scientific name
Tubipora musica
Common name
Organ pipe coral
Category
Corals
Family
Tubiporidae
Genus
Tubipora
Size
10–50 cm
Depth
1–20 m
IUCN status
Near threatened (NT)
Danger level
Harmless
Habitats
reef
Behaviours
sessile, colonial
Ocean zones
Asian Pacific, Indian Ocean & Red Sea

Description

Tubipora musica forms colonies 10 to 50 cm. Spectacular red-orange to scarlet skeleton of parallel tubes connected by horizontal platforms, recalling organ pipes (hence musica). Surface covered with green polyps bearing white tentacles when extended (hiding the colored skeleton). Soft coral despite its calcareous skeleton. Shallow Indo-Pacific. IUCN Near Threatened. Never break a fragment for a souvenir.

Frequently asked questions

How big is the Organ pipe coral?
Organ pipe coral (Tubipora musica) reaches 10–50 cm in length.
At what depth can you find the Organ pipe coral?
Organ pipe coral is found between 1–20 m deep.
Is the Organ pipe coral dangerous to divers?
Danger level: Harmless.
What is the conservation status of the Organ pipe coral?
IUCN status: Near threatened (NT).
Where can you find the Organ pipe coral?
Found in: Asian Pacific, Indian Ocean & Red Sea.

Similar species

  • Fungia fungites - Mushroom coral
  • Heliopora coerulea - Blue coral
  • Corallium rubrum - Red coral
  • Eunicella singularis - White gorgonian
  • Stylophora pistillata - Smooth cauliflower coral
  • Paramuricea clavata - Red gorgonian

Sources

  • Taxonomy: WoRMS (AphiaID 207409)
  • Photos: iNaturalist (CC BY-NC)
  • Distribution: GBIF (taxonKey 2263694)
  • Conservation: IUCN Red List
  • Encyclopedia: Wikipedia