Carnation Coral [Dendronephthya]
Description
Soft corals of the genus Dendronephthya, also known as Carnation Corals or Tree Corals, are some of the most vibrant soft corals known to science. They are found in the Indo-Pacific region, particularly around the waters of Japan and Australia. They prefer strong currents and low light conditions. Unlike most corals, they do not contain zooxanthellae and therefore do not rely on sunlight for photosynthesis. Instead, they capture microscopic food particles from the water column. Their beautiful, tree-like structure is a result of the complex branches that extend in all directions.
Taxonomy
| Phylum |
Jellyfish, Sea Anemones, and Relatives
Cnidaria
|
|---|---|
| Class |
Sea Anemones and Corals
Anthozoa
|
| Order |
Soft Corals
Alcyonacea
|
| Family |
Nephtheidae
Nephtheidae
|
| Genus |
Carnation Coral
Dendronephthya
|