orange cup coral
(Tubastraea coccinea Lesson, 1829)

This species is Introduced in the United States

States Counties Points List Species Info
Origin
Tubastraea coccinea is native to the Indo-Pacific region. Orange cup coral were introduced to the United States on boats and other transportation equipment.

Life Cycle
T. coccinea is cylindrical and can grow up to 0.4 in. (11 mm) in diameter. T. coccinea grows in small colonies and do not form coral reefs. Colonies vary greatly in their arrangement and is potentially the result of the environment. Reproduction occurs asexually.

Distribution
T. coccinea populations are found in Gulf Coast waters on artificial substrates such as offshore drilling platforms, shipwrecks, and artificial reefs.

Control Efforts
T. coccinea spreading to natural coral reefs is of concern.

http://www.iucngisd.org/gisd/species.php?sc=1096
https://invasions.si.edu/nemesis/browseDB/SpeciesSummary.jsp?TSN=53808
 

Selected Images


Maps


EDDMapS Distribution

EDDMapS Distribution - This map is incomplete and is based only on current site and county level reports made by experts, herbaria, and literature. For more information, visit www.eddmaps.org

Taxonomic Rank

Domain: Eukarya
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Cnidaria
Class: Anthozoa
Order: Scleractinia
Suborder: Dendrophylliina
Family: Dendrophylliidae
Genus: Tubastraea
Tubastraea coccinea Lesson, 1829