Mauve Spiky Soft Coral

Description:

Also known as Soft Tree Coral, Tree Coral, Thistle Coral, Strawberry Soft Coral, Cauliflower Soft Coral, Divaricate Tree Coral, Carnation Coral, Prickly Alcyonarian Coral and Purple Soft Finger. They feed on plankton, and can grow to a length of about 17cm. They can be found at depths of between 25 to 40m.

Habitat:

Found on rocky and coral reefs in deep water along walls and drop-offs, and sometimes on sandy bottoms (such as in this spotting). Widespread in the Indo-Pacific region.

Notes:

The photos here are front-and-back shots of the same tree coral. The pictures were taken at a depth of about 25m.