Orange cup coral
Scientific name: Tubastrea coccinea
Description: Orange cup coral are small living creatures measuring around 1 to 3 inches in diameter. They are often bright orange but can also be seen as yellow-orange in color. The coral makes its own singular limestone “cup” where it can find protection. The coral will open up its tentacles to capture any food floating by at night. During the day, the coral will often be seen with its tentacles retracted. The coral commonly occur on pilings, in caves and under rocks.
Fun Facts:
- They are very sensitive to air bubbles. When diving be careful to not be so close, as they can easily become damaged and die.
- The larvae of these corals will develop inside of the polyp! Most corals spawn and the larvae feed near the surface then settle on a surface in the ocean during their development.
