Dive.Explo360.fr

scientific endorsement
ALEXANDRE MEINESZ

Gold Coral

In Dive.Explo360: Mediterranean · Northeast Atlantic · Atlantic Ocean

Around a deep underwater wall, Gold Coral reveals its golden branches, resembling a small underwater tree. This emblematic species of coralligenous seabeds continually filters particles brought by the current and contributes to the richness of these remarkable habitats.

Habitat de Gold Coral Habitat
Rocky habitat, Coralligenous habitat
Profondeur de Gold Coral Depth
15-120 m
Groupe biologique de Gold Coral Group
Cnidarian
Rôle écologique de Gold Coral Role
Predator

WHAT DOES IT LOOK LIKE?

Gold Coral forms a rigid, branching structure resembling a small gorgonian, although it actually belongs to a group of cnidarians closely related to anemones. It can reach a considerable size, sometimes almost a metre tall.Its colour varies from pale yellow to golden brown. It grows by covering the skeleton of other organisms, particularly gorgonians, which it gradually colonises while forming its own calcareous structure.

WHERE DOES IT LIVE?

It lives attached to deep rocky seabeds, often in coralligenous areas and on walls exposed to currents that bring suspended food.It occurs in the Mediterranean and the eastern Atlantic, generally from a few tens of metres to more than a hundred metres deep.

WHAT DOES IT EAT?

It captures small food particles and plankton using its many polyps equipped with stinging tentacles.The polyps' orientation towards the current improves the efficiency of capturing suspended particles.

GO FURTHER WITH AMIGANSEAU

Unlock the full profile

Deepen your knowledge with the exclusive chapters and interactive resources included in an AMIGANSEAU licence.

Choose my licence
  • HOW DOES IT REPRODUCE?
  • OUR OBSERVATIONS
  • UNDERSTAND THE SPECIES

Also included in the full profile

  • Advanced navigation between description, ecological context, observations and behaviour
  • Interactive food chain to explore the species’ feeding relationships
  • Natural history podcast and dive debrief
  • Infographic and illustrated summary profile
An active licence gives access to enriched profiles and AMIGANSEAU exploration tools.

Other species — Cnidarian

Dahlia Anemone Yellow cluster anemone Burrowing Anemone White sertularian hydroid Gray sea pen Fried egg jellyfish Crystal jellyfish Dead man's fingers

Same habitat and depth

Rocky seabed species Coralligenous habitat species

Same ecological role and depth

Predatory species

🧠 Understand the species

What is this species’ ecological role?

AMIGANSEAU Explorer Premium

Access enriched species profiles with advanced content (audio, infographics and detailed articles).

Explore all species easily through a single interface.

Enjoy a smooth, fast learning experience suited to every level.

🔒 The full profile is available with a paid subscription only.

Discover licences
DEPTH HABITAT PHYLA ECOLOGICAL ROLE

From recognition to understanding

After recognising a marine species, watch it in its environment in the diving videos. Articles and learning paths help you understand its habitat and its relationships with other organisms; games help you remember your discoveries.