Deepwater Coral [Desmophyllum dianthus]
Description
Desmophyllum dianthus, also known as the solitary cup coral or deepwater coral, is a species of coral in the family Caryophylliidae. It is found in deep water habitats worldwide, ranging from 50 to 2800 meters deep. It prefers hard substrates and can form colonies. This species has a skeleton made of calcium carbonate and polyps that can retract into the skeleton. The skeleton is white and the polyps can range from white to pink or orange.
Taxonomy
| Phylum |
Jellyfish, Sea Anemones, and Relatives
Cnidaria
|
|---|---|
| Class |
Sea Anemones and Corals
Anthozoa
|
| Order |
Stony Corals
Scleractinia
|
| Family |
Caryophylliidae
Caryophylliidae
|
| Genus |
Desmophyllum
Desmophyllum
|