- Net fire coral
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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, 1775Like 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.
Contents
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
- ^ Lieske, E. and Myers, R.F. (2004) Coral reef guide; Red Sea London, HarperCollins ISBN 0-00-715986-2
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