Net fire coral

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Net fire coral
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Animalia Subkingdom: Metazoa Phylum: Cnidaria Class: Hydrozoa Order: Capitata Family: Milleporidae Genus: Millepora Species: M. dichotoma
Binomial name
Millepora dichotoma Forsskål, 1775

Like all fire corals the net fire coral is a hydrozoan, consisting of a colony of polyps with a calceolareous skeleton. Part of the metabolism of the fire coral relies on zooxanthellae included in their anatomy.

Contents 1 Range 2 Description 2.1 Diet 3 Habitat 4 Hazards 5 References

[edit] Range

Red Sea to Samoa and South Africa.^[1]

[edit] Description

Individually forms fans up to 60cm but clumps may be several metres across. Coloured mustard to olive-yellow, the fans form in a single plane.

[edit] Diet

Feeding polyps snare Plankton from the passing current.

[edit] Habitat

Along exposed portions of upper reef slopes up to 15m depth, growing transverse to the prevailing current to ensure maximum exposure to passing foodstuff.

[edit] Hazards

The stinging nematocysts contain a toxin which causes painful burn-like wounds on contact. At worst this may cause collapse in those with a severe allergic reaction. Skin irritation may continue for up to 2 weeks.

[edit] References