What Is This Soft Coral In Shallows

[TropicalSnorkeler]

We found this snorkeling in Curacao in about ten feet of water. We can't find it in any books. We heard it might be a black coral, but thought that black corals are deeper. Viewed bigger there are lots of open polyps. It stands about two feet tall.

 

[deborahdelamar]

To me, it appears to be a hydroid colony rather than a soft coral. Take care around these as some have stinging nematocycsts that can produce a nasty allergic rash when they get onto/into your skin.

 

[TropicalSnorkeler]

To me, it appears to be a hydroid colony rather than a soft coral. Take care around these as some have stinging nematocycsts that can produce a nasty allergic rash when they get onto/into your skin.

Very cool. Thanks. That does appear to be what it is. It seems to be a Feather Bush Hydroid with a colony of Hydroid Zoanthids on it.