sea species colonial fire coral skeleton found shallow water coral reefs tropical west atlantic_ocean shows variety different depending location feeds derives energy requirements found tissues important member reef building community subject threats cause painful divers taxonomy true coral class class closely related growth habit coral exhibits subject confusion taxonomy described number different names different decided variations morphology environmental factors valid species conclusion questioned species described type locality unknown scientific comes latin meaning thousand meaning likely type locality fact west_indies explaining wrote resist remark thing certain forms resemblance horn west_indies description morphology variable colonies probably start forms adopt branching structure grow established variety structures coral reefs rocks dead hulls wrecked ships later development form plates blades habitats water movement surf outer edges reefs waters deep sheltered parts reef upright branched structure develops grow centimetres tall habit growth influenced surface fire coral grows vertical surfaces bases larger longer density branching lower horizontal surfaces cylindrical branches usually grow single plane span range brown pale cream like yellow branch tips white embedded skeleton numerous microscopic connected internally system canals concealed pores skeleton surface smooth lacks true specialist functions processing food caught grouped small extend pores invisible covered item prey thrust mouth adjacent passes stomach material skeleton composed contains certain called organisms provide hosts energy return benefit protective environment lit position fire coral energy requirements provided distribution found caribbean_sea gulf_of_mexico florida coast far south brazil found bermuda morphology location different rest range distinct species grows depths metres fire coral grows depths greater metres biology feeds normally extended time object coral cause coral handled experiencing painful caused reproduction sexual means parts coral detached colony storm means fragments end suitable locations grow new colonies genetically identical parent colony probably frequent method reproduction alternatively certain pores called contain short lived like separate colony produce develop larvae drift currents settling developing new colonies ecology number species shrimp fish refuge branches seemingly immune venom particular perch fire coral protected pectoral fins predators prefers certain genus eat family found grows close proximity sea fan fire coral aggressive produces attack branches grow sideways sea fan develop hand like structures fire coral uses substrate new growth new growth gets separated parent colony new colony fire coral formed genetically identical original aggressive action specific happen response close presence live dead invertebrates open water fire coral able detect presence result water flowing surfaces threats true coral subject general threats coral reefs facing greatest global warming consequent rise sea temperatures killed established recruitment earlier general threats reefs include ocean pollution invasive species changes species dynamics coral diseases fisheries leisure activities tourism small quantities gathered sale collectors human interactions powerful sting human skin venom causes painful burning sensation skin investigated water protein provides median lethal dose mice weighing grams commercial uses kept reef requires high water movement bright light flourish health judged colour yellow showing health darker brown colour indicate little light difficult control grows fast spreads objects tank
Millepora alcicornis