Millepora squarrosa

Millepora squarrosa is a species of fire coral that can be found in the Caribbean Sea as well as in the western Atlantic.[1] They have a smooth surface covered in tiny pores from which polyps protrude. They can reach up to 5 centimeters in height[2] and can range from brown or tan in color with slight purple or red tints. It is commonly known as "box fire coral", which refers to its box-like structure and the stinging sensation felt when touched with a bare hand.[3]

Millepora squarrosa
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Cnidaria
Class: Hydrozoa
Order: Anthoathecata
Family: Milleporidae
Genus: Millepora
Species:
M. squarrosa
Binomial name
Millepora squarrosa
Lamarck, 1816
Synonyms
  • Millepora faveolata Duchassaing & Michelotti, 1864
  • Millepora folliata Milne Edwards, 1860
  • Millepora striata Lamarck, 1816
  • Millepora tuberculata Duchassaing, 1850

References
  1. Calder, Dale R.; Cairns, Stephen D. (2009). Gulf of Mexico Origin, Waters, and Biota. 1. Texas A&M University Press. pp. 381–394. ISBN 9781603440943.
  2. "Box fire coral (Millepora squarrosa)". Marine Species Identification Portal. Retrieved 2012-07-31.
  3. Weerdt, W.H. (1990). "Discontinuous distribution of the tropical west atlantic hydrocoral Millepora squarrosa". Beaufortia. 41 (27): 195–203.
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