Melithaea ochracea is a species of colonial soft coral in the family Melithaeidae, commonly known as knotted fan coral. It grows in tree-like fans on coral reefs in the South China Sea. It grows in tree-like fans on coral reefs in the South China Sea and is used in the jewelry industry under the name red spongy coral.
From Wikipedia, under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Is it venomous or poisonous?
We have no record of Knotted Fan Coral being toxic, poisonous or venomous. That is not proof that it is safe. Never eat, touch or handle a wild plant, mushroom or animal on the strength of an identification; ask someone qualified.
Easily confused with
- Annella mollis
- Melithaea zimmeri
- Iciligorgia schrammi
- Subergorgia suberosa
- Leptogorgia palma
- Siphonogorgia godeffroyi
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Cnidaria
- Class
- Anthozoa
- Order
- Malacalcyonacea
- Family
- Melithaeidae
- Genus
- Melithaea
- Species
- Melithaea ochracea
Found one? Take a photo and B.inomen will suggest what it is, free.
Check your photo