Bicolor Gorgonian

Melithaea bicolor

The Bicolor Gorgonian, known scientifically as Melithaea bicolor, is a coral species belonging to the family Melithaeidae. This species is endemic to the Eastern Central Pacific, specifically Hawaii, and is found in tropical waters. It typically inhabits rocky crevices where it can benefit from the direct flow of currents. The depth range for this species extends from as shallow as 2 meters to as deep as 430 meters, with the majority of recorded occurrences being in waters shallower than 160 meters. This gorgonian coral is sessile, meaning it remains fixed in one place, and is known for having fewer stinging cells compared to other cnidarians, making it harmless to humans. The Bicolor Gorgonian feeds by filtering planktonic plant cells and other small particles from the water, a common trait among filter-feeding organisms. Divers encountering the Bicolor Gorgonian can expect to find it firmly attached to rocky substrates, often in areas with strong water movement. While its conservation status has not been evaluated by the IUCN, it is not considered a threat to humans and plays a role in the marine ecosystem as a filter feeder.