Blue Coral

Critter Spotlight: Heliopora coerulea

Photo Credit: Bob Goemans

Inhabits brightly lit shallow intertidal reef flat areas, e.g., 20 to 30 feet (6 - 9 m) where there is exceptionally good water movement, such as in and around areas where waves continuously pass overhead or experience the energy of breaking waves and is quite abundant in the wild. It's massive encrusting columnar and branching formations are often found along the upper reef slopes and upper hardpan areas of lagoons. Usually found in various shades of brown/tan, with white-tipped edges that indicate new healthy growth.

Family Helioporidae

• Heliopora coerulea (Blue/Ridge Coral)