Black coral

Black coral is a term given to a group of deep water, tree-like coral related to sea anemone which normally occurs in the tropics although it is also found in shallow water non-tropical areas such as Milford Sound in New Zealand where it can be seen in an underwater observatory.

Though its living tissue is brilliantly colored, black coral takes its name from the distinctive black or dark brown color of its skeleton. Also unique to black coral are the tiny spines that cover the surface of the skeleton, the origin of the nickname little thorn coral. In the Hawaiian language, black coral is called ‘ēkaha kū moana and is the official state gem of Hawaii. Black coral is listed in Appendix II of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES).