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:
Emerald false coral are small, soft corals with vibrant, cylindrical-shaped bodies. Their colors can range from purple, orange, green, blue, to yellow, with color variation depending on their depth in the water column, water temperature, seasonal changes, and other environmental factors. These corals are highly valued for their important role in coral reef ecosystems.