Story: Corals, anemones and jellyfish

Red coral

Red coral

Red coral (Errina novaezelandiae) is not a true coral, but a related type of animal – a hydrocoral. It is a colonial animal made up of separate individuals, each with its own feeding and defence systems. Usually hydrocorals grow only in the deep ocean, but in the fiords of south-western New Zealand red coral grows at depths of 20 metres. It is a protected species.

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Department of Conservation
Reference: 10048512

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How to cite this page:

Dennis Gordon, 'Corals, anemones and jellyfish - Hydroids and siphonophores', Te Ara - the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, http://www.TeAra.govt.nz/en/photograph/4736/red-coral (accessed 29 March 2024)

Story by Dennis Gordon, published 12 Jun 2006, updated 26 Sep 2016