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Hydrocorals The most commonly recognized species of Hydrocorals are Fire Corals and Lace Corals.
These corals are included in the class called Hydrozoa, whereas almost all other corals are in the class Anthozoa. Hydrocorals are closely related to jellyfish,
than they are to corals.
Fire Corals are often mistaken for hard corals because of the similar appearance, but they are actually related to jellyfish. Fire Corals were given their name because they have hairlike structures called dactylozooids which contain nematocysts that produce toxins which can cause painful burns or stings. They use these nematocysts to sting and paralyze prey, as well as for defense against predators. Fire corals are commonly found in reefs which have high light intensity and strong currents. Lace corals also have hard skeletons, but are much more delicately branched than Fire Corals. Their sting is also less severe. Although found in shaded areas of a reef, but like Fire Corals, they prefer strong currents. Click on thumbnails for more information.
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