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.
- diet
- Plankton and photosynthetic products from symbiotic zooxanthellae
- family
- Milleporidae
- threats
- Ocean warming, coral bleaching, ocean acidification, and physical damage from divers
- life Span
- Colonies can live for several decades
EN
Contact causes immediate, painful stings and skin irritation; avoid touching and maintain neutral buoyancy.
Nematocysts on the hair-like polyps inject a potent toxin that causes immediate burning, itching, and painful welts.
Never touch or brush against the colony; if stung, rinse with vinegar and seek medical attention if reactions worsen.Rising sea temperatures trigger bleaching, causing these colonies to expel their symbiotic algae and starve.
Avoid anchoring boats on reefs and use reef-safe sunscreen to minimize chemical stress on fragile colonies.- 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.