Antipatharia species
Black Coral
Maximum Size:
14 ft (4.3 m)
Longevity:
Decades, possibly centuries.
Typical depth:
80–240 ft (24–73 m)
Behavior:
Black corals are similar to stony corals but with a black protein-chitin skeleton instead of a calcium carbonate skeleton. They come in all different colors and shapes, including bushes, fans and wires. They are known as deep sea corals, but some species can be found within snorkeling depths. They generally do not form a relationship with photosynthetic algae and are thus better suited to deep, dark habitats.
Predators:
Snails, worms and green sea turtles.
