Saltwater
Sun coral
Tubastraea coccinea
Dendrophylliidae
Facts
Care
- Type
- Large-polyp stony coral (LPS)
- Light
- Low
- Flow
- Strong
- Placement
- Low on the rock
- Difficulty
- Demanding
Water values
Range
Seen here
Seen in the wild in Australia, Brazil, British Virgin Islands, Cape Verde, Caribbean Netherlands, Colombia, Costa Rica, Cuba, and 37 more countries.
More about the species
Description
Orange cup coral (Tubastraea coccinea) is a species of large-polyp stony corals. This non-reef building coral extends translucent tentacles at night. Tubastraea coccinea is heterotrophic and does not contain zooxanthellae in its tissues as many tropical corals do, allowing it to grow in complete darkness as long as it can capture enough food. T. coccinea is an invasive coral known for its vibrant sun-like colors, which contrast against the dimly lit areas it inhabits. This organism has a massive geographic range, spreading as far as the Atlantic, Caribbean, and Gulf of Mexico since its original discovery in 1830. Ballast water is a significant benefactor to their spread, though T. coccinea has also been known to cling to the underside of passing ships. Further, its ability to use sexual and asexual reproduction and lack of reliance on photosynthesis promote its invasive spread. Attempts have been made to control its spread.
Other names
No other names.
