Scleronephthya sp.

(Studer, 1887)

Vernacular names
English : Flower tree coral
French : Alcyonaire lisse

Classification
Class : Anthozoa
Order : Malacalcyonacea
Family : Nephtheidae
Notes : No subspecies known. Many species recognized, most of them unidentifiable without microscopic examination.

Identification
Colonies are arborescent and usually fairly small, reaching 10 cm in length (although a species can reach 50 cm). Coloration variable, from pink to orange or yellow. Polyps only found on branches. Spine-shaped sclerites not visible.

Range and habitat
The 8 known species are widespread in the Indo-Pacific region, from Red Sea and East Africa to Solomon Islands. Often found on current-exposed steep walls and near caves, down to 85 m.

Conservation
IUCN RED LIST : NOT LISTED
CITES : Not listed
Status : Species from this genus are locally common where suitable living conditions are found. Potentially threatened by pollution and global warming.
Ex-Situ Programs : None known

Observation

 

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