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Order ANTIPATHARIA Milne-Edwards, 1857

Black Coral

 

Introduction

The branches of these colonial hexacorals have an internal rod or axis that forms a tree-like colony or a single long coiled whip. The black colour comes from a keratin-like protein which is secreted by polyps to form the skeleton - this material is covered by a thin veneer of living tissue which is usually white, brown or yellow. Black corals occur in both shallow and deep water. The internal skeleton of mature colonies may become very dense and hard, which makes it ideal for jewellery or ornaments, hence black corals are under pressure from overharvesting. Trade in black coral is controlled by the Convention on Trade in Endangered species. Consulting specialist for this section was Dr. John Ryland

 

History of changes

Note that this list may be incomplete for dates prior to September 2013.
Published As part of group Action Date Action Type Compiler(s)
16-Dec-2014 ANTIPATHARIA Milne-Edwards, 1857 13-Aug-2013 MOVED Dr Bronwen Scott
13-Jul-2010 MODIFIED