Different Types of Soft Corals in All Their Beauty
Under the ocean’s surface lies a whole different world. A world full of life, full of beauty that many people never get a chance to experience. A key part of that world lies in the coral reefs. Coral reefs are amongst the oldest ecosystems on Earth. And while the hard coral are considered to be the reef building coral, the soft coral are more similar to the colorful plants and trees that decorate the underwater world.
Image by wikimedia
It is that fact that sets the two apart. Another major difference is that soft coral have their “skeleton” inside, thus making them more flexible and able to flow with the waves. You can also tell them apart because most soft coral polyps have eight tentacles, while hard coral have six.
To really see soft coral in their element you have to go further beneath the surface of the ocean. Soft coral thrive in darker, colder waters while their counterparts require sunlight to thrive. And even though soft coral aren’t reef builders, they still play an important part to reef ecology.
Take a look at some of the many amazing varieties of soft coral:
Flower Soft Coral look like delicate flowers blowing in a breeze.
Image by CybersamX
Image by CybersamX
Sea Whip coral is also known as gorgonian coral and often reminds people of a whip or a comb.
Image by prilfish
Sea Fan coral is also a gorgonial coral. It is made up of many individual tiny polyps which form colonies that then resemble a fan. They are tall and have many little branches extending outward. They also come in a variety of colors.
Image by Nick Hobgood
Image by aa7ae
Leather Umbrella coral, also called Toolstool coral, are part of the Sarcophyton group of soft coral. It is one of the most common types of coral used in aquariums, since it acts as a filter.
Image by CybersamX
Image by wikimedia
Mushroom soft coral takes on two very different shapes. It looks like a flower when it’s tentacles are outstretched to feed, yet gives the appearance of a mushroom when closed up tight.
Image by prilfish
Image by wikimedia
Tree Coral look like tiny little trees. It has a thick trunk with many “branches” and “leaves” growing outwards, which gives it the appearance of an underwater tree.
Image by wikimedia
Image by wikimedia
