The unusual growth at one of this coral’s growing tips is a gall created by a small crab species, Hapalocarcinus marsupialis. The female initiates the process that causes the coral to grow in a clam-like shape to protect and trap the female for the remainder of her life. The gall is around 10mm. Click on this link to our website to learn more along with photos of the crab.
8 May 2016