Saltcorner
By Bob Goemans
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Family Antipathidae

Antipathes galapagensis

Deichmann, 1941

Black Coral, Little Thorn Coral

Likely Reef Tank Suitable

Likely Fish-Only Tank Suitable

Range: The full extent of its range has yet to be determined, yet seen in the Galapagos Islands.

Size: Bushy growths up to 6 feet (2 m) tall.

Natural Environment: Inhabits deep reefs, sometimes to depths of over 500 feet (150 m) where it feeds on zooplankton.

Aquarium Suitability: Has distinctive tiny spines on the surface of the skeleton, and are sometimes referred to as "little thorn corals." Each polyp possess six, non-retractable tentacles that are armed with stinging cells.

Even though it could be kept in aquariums, best left in the wild.

Taxonomy:

    Kingdom: Animalia

    Phylum: Cnidaria

    Class: Anthozoa

    Subclass: Hexacorallia

    Order: Antipatharia

    Family: Antipathidae

    Genus: Antipathes

FYI: Not collected for the trade.

 Antipathes galapagensis (Black Coral, Little Thorn Coral)
Photo © Frank Walker
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