Species Type:
Corals, Invertebrates
Common Name(s):
Staghorn coral
Size:
A colony of staghorn coral can grow up to four feet (1.2 meters) in height and six feet (1.8 meters) in diameter.
Diet:
Staghorn coral have photosynthetic algae in their cells that allow them to turn sunlight into food. They also capture and eat plankton floating around in their environment.
Range & Habitat:
Staghorn corals live in shallow waters (15–60 feet) throughout the Gulf of Mexico, Caribbean Sea and northern Atlantic Ocean.
Details:
Staghorn coral is golden yellow-tan in color. Its branches resemble antlers, stemming from a central stump and reaching outwards. Staghorn coral may appear white at the tips if it’s experiencing new growth.