This soft coral, less than 2
inches tall, is commonly known as a "finger
coral". A small, commensal
"squat lobster" (actually a crab) has taken up
residence on the coral.
The tentacles of the soft coral contain stinging cells
and provide protection for the crab. Soft corals are
similar to their hard coral cousins, but lack a hard
limestone skeleton. Most soft corals rely on the ocean
current to supply necessary nutrients.
Coral identification: Minabea
sldersladei
Crab identification: Galathea sp.
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