Description
Here’s a bit more detail:
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Appearance: Black coral seafans often have a tree-like or fan-shaped appearance with branches that look delicate and intricate. They are typically black or dark brown in color, hence the name "black coral." The branches are made of a hard, protein-based skeleton (often called "chitinous" or "horny" skeleton), rather than the calcium-based skeletons of most corals.
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Habitat: These corals are usually found in deep, cold waters ranging from about 40 meters to several hundred meters deep. They grow in various environments, including tropical, subtropical, and temperate zones, but are most common in the Indo-Pacific region.
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Ecological Role: Like other corals, black coral seafans play a vital role in marine ecosystems. They provide habitat and shelter for various marine species such as fish, invertebrates, and other small creatures. Their complex structures offer an ideal environment for many organisms to thrive.
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Conservation: Black corals are slow-growing and can live for centuries, making them vulnerable to environmental threats. Overfishing, habitat destruction (like trawling), and climate change pose significant threats to these delicate ecosystems. As a result, they are protected in many parts of the world.
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Uses: Historically, the skeleton of black coral has been used in jewelry, especially for making necklaces, rings, and other ornaments. However, this practice is highly regulated due to the species' slow growth rate and the impact of harvesting on their populations.
Sizes and shapes will vary in their natural estate.
**Cannot export because they require CITIES permits.
