Yellow Tree Coral [Nephthea brassica]
Description
Nephthea brassica, also known as Yellow Tree Coral, is a marine species belonging to the Nephtheidae family. It is found in the Red Sea and the Indo-Pacific region, from the eastern coast of Africa to the western Pacific. The colonies form bushy, tree-like structures and are usually bright yellow in color. They inhabit depths of 8 to 30 meters and prefer areas with moderate water movement. The polyps of Yellow Tree Coral extend during the night to feed on microscopic algae and plankton.
Taxonomy
| Phylum |
Jellyfish, Sea Anemones, and Relatives
Cnidaria
|
|---|---|
| Class |
Sea Anemones and Corals
Anthozoa
|
| Order |
Stony Corals
Scleractinia
|
| Family |
Fungiidae
Fungiidae
|
| Genus |
Sandal Coral
Polyphyllia
|