Antipathes
Antipathes is a genus of colonial anthozoan cnidarians, commonly known as black corals or wire corals. They are characterized by their rigid, branching skeletons made of a protein called gorgonin. These skeletons are typically black, but can also be brown, red, or even white depending on the species. Black corals are widely distributed in tropical and subtropical waters worldwide, inhabiting a variety of environments including coral reefs, rocky outcrops, and deep-sea canyons.
Characteristics
Antipathes species are colonial organisms, meaning they consist of many individual polyps that are interconnected and share a common skeleton. Each polyp has a central mouth surrounded by tentacles that are used for feeding. The polyps are embedded in the gorgonin skeleton, which provides structural support and protection. The skeleton is typically smooth and cylindrical, but can be branched in a variety of patterns depending on the species. Black corals are filter feeders, using their tentacles to capture small organisms and particles from the water column.
Environment
Antipathes species are found in a wide range of marine environments, but they generally prefer clear, well-oxygenated waters with moderate currents. They can be found in shallow water habitats like coral reefs, but they are also found in deep-sea environments up to 3,000 meters deep. Some species are particularly adapted to living in low-light conditions and can even be found in caves and overhangs.
Common Names
Antipathes species are commonly known as black corals, wire corals, or thorny corals. The term "black coral" is often used to refer to the genus as a whole, but it can also be used to refer to specific species, such as the "black coral" (Antipathes dichotoma) found in the Caribbean Sea.