14. The Carnation Coral (Dendronephthya sp.)
A real gem of the coral world, the Carnation Coral boasts vivid hues and complex branching form. Unlike many of the coral species we have covered, the Carnation Coral is a soft coral devoid of the stony coral cousins’ hard calcium carbonate skeleton. This species is really unique in that it lacks parasitic algae entirely. The Carnation Coral is an active filter feeder, gathering plankton and organic particles from the water column using its feathery polyps, therefore substituting energy from photosynthesis for another kind. This unusual feeding approach lets it flourish in places where normal corals cannot, including deeper waters and caverns where light is rare. From beautiful pinks and purple to brilliant oranges and yellows, the Carnation Coral exhibits an amazing range of hues. These colours serve as a warning to possible predators that the coral contains harmful chemicals, not only for display. These poisons not only save the coral but also pique the curiosity of marine pharmacology experts investigating their possible medical uses. The Carnation Coral’s capacity to expand and deflate its body is still another intriguing feature. Fully inflated, the coral can expand up to 100 times, therefore optimising its surface area for feeding. It can rapidly deflate under disturbance or during high currents, therefore lowering drag and stopping damage. The Carnation Coral is threatened from habitat degradation and collection for the aquarium trade notwithstanding its special adaptations. Protection of the several environments where these corals are located and implementation of sustainable aquaculture methods to lower pressure on wild populations are the main priorities of conservation activities. [2] [2]