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January 28, 2023  |  By Matt Hamas

Rough Cactus Coral

Rough Cactus Coral Live

Rough Cactus Coral - IUCN Conservation Status: Critically Endangered

Although we are too zoomed-in to tell, the rough cactus coral colony is roundish in shape.

Stony coral, like this rough cactus coral, have a limestone skeleton with a fleshy, colorful, textured, outer skin. As a scuba diver, if you spend time looking closely at coral, you are taken back by the sight. For the purpose of scale, the area in this photo is only around three inches horizontal by a couple inches vertically. 

Dendrogyra Cylindrus

There are a few species of rough cactus corals and their appearances can vary slightly. There can be differences in the size and distribution of the ridges, as well as variation in color. All are “reef building” species of coral. In this photo, the coral polyps are closed, and the tentacles pulled in. Although we are too zoomed-in to tell, the coral colony is roundish in shape. The color of the coral consists of white and brown speckled ridges with florescent green valleys and multiple mouths between each ridge. 

This photograph was taken at Elbow Reef, a major reef off Key Largo, Florida. Elbow Reef lies in a Sanctuary Preservation Area (SPA). What is a SPA? A SPA is an area within the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary that is designed to limit consumptive activities. These are sites protected from fishing and harvesting, a “safe space” for marine life. These areas are still open to divers and snorkelers, and are often popular sites.

Coral Spawn

Rough cactus coral is native to the Caribbean Sea and can be found throughout southern Florida and the Bahamas. Rough cactus coral is found at different depths, depending on the species. It is said to be most abundant in the 30- 80 feet deep range. I took this photo at about 30 feet deep. Even at that rather shallow depth, you have significantly less light and color available. If you want colorful coral photos in depths deeper than 20 feet, it is important to use strobe photography. The nice part about coral photography is that it is stationary. So long as you don’t stir up the sand in the surrounding water, you can take your time to get the photo you want. 

If you want colorful coral photos, like this photo of a rough cactus coral, in depths deeper than 20 feet, it is important to use strobe photography. 

Kayaking out to the sandbar at Kaneohe Bay is a unique and enjoyable experience

In May of 2019, Wild Boyz Photography featured the non-profit Coral Restoration Foundation, based in the Florida Keys. We also featured a Guest Photographer, Alex Neufeld. Check out some of Alex’s awesome photos here!  

Alex NeufeldCoral Restoration Foundation

Did you know?

  • Rough cactus corals possess both male and female reproductive organs.
  • Corals aren’t plants, they’re animals!
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coral macro ocean underwater

Article by Matt Hamas

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Matt Hamas and Ben Ivers here. We are focused on fostering a greater understanding and appreciation of the environment. We endeavor to bring you a unique perspective of the wild. Our photos are being placed here for you to enjoy. Please feel free to download any of the photos for your personal use. We are currently seeking partners for printing and developing photos.

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