Millepora squarrosa

Millepora squarrosa
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Cnidaria
Class: Hydrozoa
Order: Anthomedusae
Family: Milleporidae
Genus: Millepora
Species: M. squarrosa
Binomial name
Millepora squarrosa
Lamarck, 1816
Synonyms
  • Millepora striata Lamarck, 1816
  • Box fire coral
  • Square stinging coral

Millepora squarrosa, also known as Millepora striata, is a species of fire coral that can be found in the Caribbean Sea as well as in the West Atlantic.[1] They have a smooth surface covered in tiny pores from which polyps protrude. They can reach up to 5 centimeters in height[2] and can range from brown or tan in color with slight purple or red tints. It is commonly known as "Box fire coral", which refers to its box-like structure and the stinging sensation felt when touched with a bare hand.[3]

References

  1. Calder, Dale R.; Cairns, Stephen D. (2009). Gulf of Mexico Origin, Waters, and Biota 1. Texas A&M University Press. p. 381-394. ISBN 9781603440943.
  2. "Box fire coral (Millepora squarrosa)". Marine Species Identification Portal. Retrieved 2012-07-31.
  3. Weerdt, W.H. (1990). "Discontinuous distribution of the tropical west atlantic hydrocoral Millepora squarrosa". Beaufortia 41 (27): 195-203.
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