Cladopsammia gracilis

Cladopsammia gracilis is a coral species belonging to the family Dendrophylliidae. It is typically found in the Indo-Pacific region, thriving at depths ranging from 20 to 45 meters. This coral is sessile and often inhabits marine caves, particularly favoring flat, horizontal rocks at depths of around 20 to 25 meters. The living colonies of this species are orange, which can help divers identify them during underwater explorations. The reproductive behavior of Cladopsammia gracilis is consistent with other members of the class Anthozoa. They can be either gonochoric or hermaphroditic, with mature gametes being released into the coelenteron and then spawned through the mouth. The life cycle includes a planktonic planula larva stage, which undergoes metamorphosis, developing tentacles, septa, and a pharynx before settling on a substrate. Divers encountering Cladopsammia gracilis can expect to find them in environments that offer stable surfaces for attachment. While the species has been recorded at numerous dive sites, its conservation status remains not evaluated by the IUCN. This coral is listed under CITES Appendix II.