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Orange spiny rod coral

Muricea elongata

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Fun Facts

Orange spiny rod coral is a habitat-forming species, meaning their population provides shelter and a place for other animals to breed. 

Species Type:

Corals, Invertebrates

Common Name(s):

Orange spiny rod coral

Size:

Orange spiny rod coral colonies can grow up to 1.5 feet (46 centimeters) tall.

Diet:

Using its tentacles, orange spiny rod 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:

In the Gulf of Mexico and Caribbean Sea, orange spiny rod coral attaches itself to hard surfaces at depths of 10-72 feet (3-22 meters).

Details:

This species of coral grows long, tall and bushy branches from its base. Despite its name, orange spiny rod coral can also be yellow, amber or brown in color.