Millepora dichotoma

Millepora dichotoma, the net fire coral, is a species of hydrozoan, consisting of a colony of polyps with a calcareous skeleton. Part of the metabolism of the fire coral relies on zooxanthellae included in their anatomy. They are found from the Red Sea to Samoa and South Africa.[1] They form fan-shaped colonies up to 60 cm across, but clumps may be several metres across. Coloured mustard to olive-yellow, the fans form in a single plane.

Net fire coral
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Cnidaria
Class: Hydrozoa
Order: Anthoathecata
Family: Milleporidae
Genus: Millepora
Species:
M. dichotoma
Binomial name
Millepora dichotoma
Forsskål, 1775
Synonyms
  • Millepora cancellata Ehrenberg, 1834
  • Millepora clavaria Ehrenberg, 1834
  • Millepora reticularis Milne Edwards, 1860

Feeding polyps snare plankton from the passing current along exposed portions of upper reef slopes up to 15 m depth, growing transverse to the prevailing current to ensure maximum exposure to passing foodstuff. 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 two weeks.

References
  1. Lieske, E. and Myers, R.F. (2004) Coral reef guide; Red Sea London, HarperCollins ISBN 0-00-715986-2
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