Saltcorner
By Bob Goemans
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Family Merulinidae - Hydnophora and some others

 Hydnophora rigida (Velvet Horn Coral, Thorny Coral)

Hydnophora rigida
(Dana, 1846)

Velvet Horn Coral, Thorny Coral

Likely Reef Tank Suitable

Likely Fish-Only Tank Suitable

More

Only the species in the genus Hydnophors are of interest in this family. Their common names include Velvet Horn Coral, and Horn or Knob Coral. These photosynthetic corals take several growth forms, e.g., flat colonies, thick-branched colonies, and massive round colonies. Colors are normally cream or green, and the fluorescence of some makes them very attractive. They are aggressive and can deliver powerful stings with sweeper tentacles; however, attacks usually involve acrorhagi or mesenterial filaments. As for the other genera, their species are shown for identification only.


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