Phylum Cnidaria (hydroids, jellyfish, corals, sea anemones, black corals and gorgonians)
Millepora alcicornis
0 to 100+ ft
Colonies of fire coral do often grow into upright branching formations, but a variety of forms and shapes exist. Fire coral will frequently encrust sea fans and other gorgonians as well as coral heads, taking on their shape. Fire coral is tan in color, with the tips of the branches being lighter or almost white. The surface is uniformly smooth with numerous tiny pores. Each pore represents a polyp within the colony. The fine hair-like polyps protrude through the pores, and can deliver a painful (but harmless) "burn" to anyone who touches or brushes against it. Colonies can grow to a height of 18 in (45 cm). Branching fire coral is abundant throughout the Caribbean, including the Cayman Islands, and is found in all habitats.
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