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Photos of Aquarium Animals by Miguel Montalvo

Emerald false coral

Ricordea florida

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Fun Facts

This species of coral uses sexual and asexual reproduction during breeding season depending on certain environmental factors. 

Species Type:

Corals, Invertebrates

Common Name(s):

Emerald false coral

Size:

Emerald false corals reach 3 inches (7.5 centimeters) in diameter

Diet:

Using its tentacles, emerald false coral will catch and eat smaller marine organisms that drift by. Coral also have a special algae—called zooxanthellae– in their tissues that photosynthesize the sun's rays into energy/food.

Range & Habitat:

Common in the Atlantic Ocean, the Caribbean Sea and the Gulf of Mexico, emerald false corals inhabit shallow rocky areas and tidal pools.

Details:

These colorful corals can be purple, orange, green blue and/or. yellow depending on their depth in the water column, the temperature of the water, the season and other environmental factors. This coral is small, soft and cylindrical.