Sun corals, Tubastraea species, are fascinating creatures found in the Caribbean. Strangely enough, based on their name, they are frequently found in caves, under ledges and on wrecks where they don’t get much sun. Unlike many other corals, they do not rely on symbiotic algae (zooxanthellae) for photosynthesis. Sun corals were first introduced to the Gulf of Mexico around 1945, likely through the oil and gas industry, as they can attach to oil platforms and other artificial structures. By the 1980s, they had spread throughout the Caribbean and western Atlantic oceans. Their ability to thrive without sunlight and adapt to various environments has made them a successful invasive species.
$149.00 – $600.00
