Tubastraea diaphana

(Dana, 1846)

Vernacular names
English : Black sun coral
French : Tubastrée noire

Classification
Class : Anthozoa
Order : Scleractinia
Family : Dendrophylliidae
Notes : No subspecies known.

Identification
Polyps can grow up to 1.5 cm in diameter and up to 2 cm in length. Flesh and tentacles are usually dark olive-brown with tentacles forming a flower-like shape when extended. Colonies usually small, less than 10 cm in diameter.

Range and habitat
The species occurs in the Indo-Pacific area, mostly in the western Pacific Ocean around Philippines, Indonesia, Micronesia and Pacific islands. Found in caves, areas under coral reefs, usually sheltered, from 8 to 30 meters deep.

Conservation
IUCN RED LIST : NOT LISTED
CITES : Appendix II
Status : The species status hasn’t been assessed. It has a fairly big range and is far less subject to collecting for the trade because of its duller coloration.
Ex-Situ Programs : None known

Observation

 

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