Order HELIOPORACEA Blainville, 1834
Introduction
“Blue coral” Although resembling a hard coral with a massive and calcium carbonate skeleton, the "blue coral" belongs to an order of soft corals because it has eight tentacles surrounding the mouth of each polyp. This order is represented by only one living species, Heliopora coerulia. The hard blue skeleton of this coral is caused by the presence of iron salts. In living colonies, the colour of the skeleton is concealed by the dull brown or grey colour of the tissue that results from the presence of zooxanthellae. This species may grow from low tide mark to a depth of 18m. Consulting specialist for this section was Prof. Gary Williams.
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) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 05-Aug-2022 | OCTOCORALLIA Haeckel, 1866 | 13-Aug-2013 | MOVED | Dr Phil Alderslade |
| 05-Aug-2022 | 24-Nov-2011 | MODIFIED | ||
| 05-Aug-2022 | 29-Sep-2010 | MODIFIED | ||
| 12-Feb-2010 | (import) |