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Photo © IMSI
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Cup Coral
(Turbinaria reniformis)
The cup coral is a hard coral species that grows in a variety of shapes. The hard coral skeleton is covered with small bumpy growths. Delicate flower-like polyps emerge when the coral is feeding. This coral is usually found in colors ranging from yellow to purple, gray, green, and brown. It is found throughout the Indo-Pacific region. |
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Photo © Hammerhead Interactive
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Sun Coral
(Tubastrea aurea)
This beautiful orange and yellow hard coral prefers dark locations, and can be found lining the mouths of submarine caves and crevices. They usually have a bright orange, stony base with colorful yellow polyps. This coral is common throughout the reefs of the Indo-Pacific region. |
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Photo © Aris Entertainment
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Bubble Coral
(Plerogyra sinuosa)
The bubble coral is a curious looking species. It has rounded, bubble-like polyp vesicles that expand during the day. These bubbles are used to collect light, which is essential for the coral's growth. At night, the polyp tentacles expand for feeding. The bubble coral is common throughout the Indo-Pacific region and Australia. |
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Photo © IMSI
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Clubbed Finger Coral
(Porites porites)
The clubbed finger coral is a common species throughout the coral reefs of the Caribbean and the Gulf of Mexico. The polyps have long flower-like tentacles that grow in thick clumps. The colony forms long branches, which are swollen on the ends. These branches usually reach a length of about 12 inches. |
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Photo © IMSI
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Flowerpot Coral
(Goniopora lobata)
The flowerpot coral is one of the most beautiful coral species. It has a hard dome-shaped base from which emerge hundreds of delicate flower-like tentacles. The tentacles wave in the currents, and are green in color due to the presence zooxanthellae algae. This coral is common throughout the Indo-Pacific region. |
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