Species · GBIF taxon 2265089
Fire Coral
Millepora alcicornisAlso known as Sea Ginger, Branching Fire Coral, Ginger Coral
Millepora alcicornis is not a true coral but a colonial hydrozoan that builds a brittle, mustard-yellow calcareous skeleton over rocks and dead corals. These colonies rely on symbiotic zooxanthellae for energy while using microscopic, venom-loaded tentacles to capture passing plankton. Their branching, ginger-like structures provide crucial shelter for small reef fish and invertebrates in shallow, sunlit waters.
MarineVenomousReef-Building
Licensed referenceNhobgood Nick Hobgood / CC BY-SA 3.0 · cc-by-sa
—observations
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—peak records
EndangeredConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXEndangeredRed List categories, explained →
Diet & prey
- Zooplankton
- Phytoplankton
- Organic Detritus
Predators
- Bearded Fireworm
- Flamingo Tongue Snail
- Scrawled Filefish
ThreatsOcean warming, coral bleaching, ocean acidification, and physical damage from divers
HabitatsShallow tropical coral reefs, rocky ledges, and shipwrecks
Life spanColonies can live for several decades
Size / weightNot available
Classification
- FamilyMilleporidae
- SpeciesMillepora alcicornis
Range data is not available yet.
Interaction riskVery high
- Low
- Moderate
- High
- Very high
- Why interaction risk is very high
- Contact causes immediate, painful stings and skin irritation; avoid touching and maintain neutral buoyancy.
- Why it is dangerous
- Nematocysts on the hair-like polyps inject a potent toxin that causes immediate burning, itching, and painful welts.
- How to recognize a risky encounter
- Look for branching, ginger-like structures with a smooth, mustard-yellow or cream surface and fine white tips.
- What to do
- Never touch or brush against the colony; if stung, rinse with vinegar and seek medical attention if reactions worsen.
- What to notice
- Bleached colonies turn completely white, losing their typical yellow-brown coloration.
- Support conservation
- Avoid anchoring boats on reefs and use reef-safe sunscreen to minimize chemical stress on fragile colonies.
Responsible observation
- Maintain buoyancy: Keep a safe distance of at least one meter from reef structures to prevent accidental contact.
- Look for the yellow hue: Identify colonies by their distinct mustard-yellow to light brown color and white-tipped branches.
- Observe the polyps: Look closely without touching to see the fine, hair-like stinging polyps extended in calm water.
Predator no rights reserved · cc0
Symbiont Todd C. LaJeunesse / CC BY-SA 2.0 · cc-by-sa
Image unavailablePredator Close Relative
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