Bushy Black Coral
Academy Award:
Family: Antipatharia
NOTE: This species, prized by the jewellery industry, is often called ‘King’s Coral’.
SIMILAR SPECIES: A Salix is often confused with this species and is common between 90 - 305 metres.
Diver Interaction:
Unresponsive. Due to the impact of overharvesting black bushy coral for the purpose of jewelry-making, most divers first encounter with the coral will be at market stalls and other tourist traps where locals may still be selling. Help stop the demand for black coral by spreading awareness on how depleted black coral actually is in the ocean.
Species in Action:
Habitat & Lifestyle:
In shallow water, occasionally found under large overhangs and in caves. In deep water inhabit wall faces and canyons with some periodic water movement. They are most common between 24 and 74 metres; In many locations are rarely found above 45 metres, because of overharvesting.
Genus:
Antipathes caribbeana
Maximum Size:
480.00cm
Average Size:
61.0cm
366480.0cm
Depth:
12.5metres
92.0metres
Endangered Rating:
Critical
Global Distribution:
Common to uncommon Bahamas, Caribbean; rare South Florida. Because of over-harvesting, rare in many locations.
Unique Physique:
These coral colonies are bushy and consist of primary stalks with long thin untidy branchlets. The colours of the primary branches vary from golden brown to brown to black and are maybe tinted red, green or blue. Branchlets are often a lighter colour. Sadly due to overharvesting it is rare to see colonies over four feet in height.
Visual ID:
Abundance:
Uncommon – Sightings are unusual