Alcyonacea

Soft Coral

Colonies from 5 cm til over 3 meter
Decades til over 100 år for large colonies
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Om

Soft Coral

Soft corals are among the most visually stunning organisms on tropical reefs, creating vibrant underwater gardens in every colour imaginable — from brilliant reds and oranges to delicate pinks and purples. Unlike their hard coral relatives, soft corals lack a rigid calcium carbonate skeleton, instead supporting themselves with tiny structural elements called sclerites embedded in their fleshy tissue. This gives them their characteristic swaying, tree-like appearance as they pulse gently in the current. Fiji's reefs are world-renowned as the 'Soft Coral Capital of the World', with nutrient-rich currents feeding spectacular walls of colour.

Størrelse

Colonies from 5 cm til over 3 meter

Vekt

Varierer widely by colony size

Levetid

Decades til over 100 år for large colonies

Status

Varierer etter art

Hvor du finner dem

Beste dykkelokasjoner

FijiRaja Ampat, IndonesiaKomodo, IndonesiaFilippineneMaldiveneRødehavet, EgyptSalomonøyeneThailand (similan Islands)

Dykketips

Soft corals are fragile — maintain excellent buoyancy and avoid touching or kneeling on the reef. The most spectacular displays are often found on walls and in channels with current, where nutrients feed dense coral growth. Wide-angle lenses are ideal for capturing coral gardens, while macro reveals the intricate polyp structures. Night dives show soft corals fully extended and feeding.

Beste sesong

Year-round in most tropical locations; best visibility typically during dry season

Habitat

Tropical and subtropical coral reefs, reef walls, overhangs, and current-swept channels. Thrive in areas with moderate to strong water flow that delivers planktonic food.

Kosthold

Filter feeders — capture plankton and dissolved organic matter from the water column using tiny polyps
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Morsomme fakta

1

Fiji is known as the 'Soft Coral Capital of the World' due to its extraordinary density and diversity of species

2

Soft corals can produce toxic chemicals to deter predators and compete for space with neighbouring corals

3

Many soft coral species are bioluminescent and glow under UV light

4

Some soft coral compounds are being researched for potential anti-cancer and anti-inflammatory medicines

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