Orange Cup Coral
Astroides calycularis
Sighting evidence at Cap Blanc, Ibiza and Formentera
The cave ceilings at Cap Blanc glow under dive torch illumination with dense clusters of orange cup coral, one of the Mediterranean's most visually striking invertebrates. Unlike tropical corals, these colonial animals do not require sunlight and thrive in the permanent darkness of the cave interior. Their vivid orange colour and tendency to carpet entire ceilings creates a scene unlike anything else in western Mediterranean diving.
Evidence at this site
No confirmed records on file at this site
Orange Cup Coral is listed as a curated species here based on historical reports.