Net fire coral.html



Net fire coral
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Animalia Subkingdom: Metazoa Phylum: Cnidaria Class: Hydrozoa Order: Capitata Family: Milleporidae Genus: Millepora Species: M. dichotoma
Binomial name
Millepora dichotoma Forsskål, 1775

Like all fire corals the net fire coral is a hydrozoan, consisting of a colony of polyps with a calceolareous skeleton. Part of the metabolism of the fire coral relies on zooxanthellae included in their anatomy.

Range

Red Sea to Samoa and South Africa.¹

Description

Individually forms fans up to 60cm but clumps may be several metres across. Coloured mustard to olive-yellow, the fans form in a single plane.

Diet

Feeding polyps snare Plankton from the passing current.

Habitat

Along exposed portions of upper reef slopes up to 15m depth, growing transverse to the prevailing current to ensure maximum exposure to passing foodstuff.

Hazards

The stinging nematocysts contain a toxin which causes painful burn-like wounds on contact. At worst this may cause collapse in those with a severe allergic reaction. Skin irritation may continue for up to 2 weeks.

References