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Balanophyllia elegans Verrill, 1864
Orange Cup Coral; Stony Coral
Family: Dendrophylliidae
Introduction to the Corals of BC

Photograph

© thomas carefoot     (Photo ID #15423)

Map

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Distribution of Balanophyllia elegans in British Columbia in British Columbia

Introduction


The Orange Cup Coral is a demersal species found in the Eastern Pacific (Canada, USA) (Sealifebase 2011). It is only one of a few scleractinian corals found in British Columbia. It is, as the name suggests, a solitary polyp that lives within a calcareous skeleton, about the size of a large thumb-nail. It lives in the low intertidal and subtidal regions on rocky shores, and likely feeds on small planktonic crustaceans that it catches on its tentacles. The tentacles bear batteries of stinging cells, or nematocysts, that are easily visible in close-up photographs. As well as being used for subduing prey for feeding, the nematocysts provide protection from potential sea-star predators and encroaching rock surface-inhabiting competitors such as colonial tunicates.

For more information see A SNAIL'S ODYSSEY. Use the drop-down menu to access topics on corals.

This species is used in the aquarium trade.

Note Author: Tom Carefoot, Department of Zoology, University of British Columbia

Status Information

Origin StatusProvincial StatusBC List
(Red Blue List)		COSEWIC
UnlistedUnlistedUnlistedUnlisted



BC Ministry of Environment: BC Species and Ecosystems Explorer--the authoritative source for conservation information in British Columbia.

Additional Range and Status Information Links

Ocean Biogeographic Information System Distribution Map

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