Balanophyllia bonaespei is a species of solitary cup coral, a stony coral in the family Dendrophylliidae.[2] It is an azooxanthellate species that does not contain symbiotic dinoflagellates in its tissues as most corals do.[1]
Cup corals are solitary hard corals which superficially resemble orange sea anemones. They grow to 1–2 cm in diameter. They have almost transparent beaded tentacles.[3]
This species is known from Saldanha Bay to East London off the South African coast, and lives from 5 to 150 metres (16 to 492 ft) under water.
This species is often found in caves or under dark overhangs.[3]
Balanophyllia bonaespei is a species of solitary cup coral, a stony coral in the family Dendrophylliidae. It is an azooxanthellate species that does not contain symbiotic dinoflagellates in its tissues as most corals do.