False Coral

Alcyonium coralloides

False Coral, or Alcyonium coralloides, is a colonial soft coral found in the northeastern Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea. It exhibits different growth forms depending on its location. In the Atlantic, it typically forms encrusting sheets or short, finger-like lobes on vertical rock faces, under overhangs, or in caves. These colonies are often red with white or yellow polyps. In contrast, Mediterranean populations frequently grow over sea fans, appearing parasitic as they kill the host's tissues. Here, the colonies can be purple, white, pink, or yellow, with polyps larger than those of the host sea fan. This coral thrives in subtropical waters, primarily within the infra- and circalittoral zones. It is most commonly found at depths shallower than 50 meters, with a significant number of occurrences at less than 40 meters. As a suspension feeder, False Coral relies on its polyps to capture zooplankton and organic particles from the surrounding water. In the Mediterranean, reproduction is sexual, with gametes developing into planktonic larvae that settle in early summer. In the Atlantic, reproduction is mainly by parthenogenesis, resulting in limited dispersal. Divers encountering False Coral may observe its varied forms depending on the region. Its rough texture, due to surface spicules, is a distinguishing feature. The coral is harmless to humans and has not been evaluated for conservation status by the IUCN.