Bubble Coral

Superpower

Inflates grape-like bubbles by day to soak up sunlight, then hunts with tentacles by night.

At a glance

Size

typically 20 cm, up to 50 cm

Depth

3–35 m

Habitat

Sheltered reefs and overhangs with gentle current.

Diet

Symbiotic algae by day; stinging tentacles catch plankton at night.

Can I eat it?

No — this one is not eaten.

Safety

• Venomous2/10

  Sweeper tentacles can sting neighbouring corals.

Fun facts

• •Its 'bubbles' swell with water in daylight to gather sunshine.
• •At night the bubbles shrink and stinging tentacles come out.
• •Tiny commensal shrimp often live among the bubbles.