Polyps Collection (page 6)

Red sea fan (Semperina sp.), Thailand

Brain coral, artwork
Brain coral, historical artwork. This hard coral is named for its convoluted skeleton that resembles the surface of a brain. It is also known as a maze coral

Sea fan and schooling snappers (family Lutjanidae, yellow). Sea fans are colonies of tiny coral organisms (polyps) that build hard structures around themselves for protection and support

Soft coral crab (Hoplophrys oatesi, centre). These crabs are well-known for their highly effective camouflage. Photographed off Siamil, Sabah, Malaysia

Yellow-axil chromis fish
Yellow-axil chromis (Chromis xanthochira) fish amongst soft coral (Siphonogorgia sp.). Photographed in Rinca, Indonesia

Decorator crab (family Majidae) on soft coral. This crab is well-known for covering itself in seaweed as a means of camouflage. Photographed off Siamil, Sabah, Malaysia

Coral. Close-up of the coralTubastrea sp. Corals consist of colonies of individual animals called polyps. The polyps are simple creatures, with a ring of tentacles leading to a gullet

Hard coral. Close-up of circular polyps on hard coral. Photographed off Siamil, Sabah, Malaysia

Sea fan. Sea fans are colonies of tiny coral organisms (polyps) that build hard structures around themselves for protection and support. Photographed off Sipadan, Sabah, Malaysia

Pillar coral. Pillar coral (Dendrogyra cylindrus) is a hard coral whose colonies can reach up to three metres in height. The coral is unusual in that the polyps emerge to feed in the day

Minute filefish camouflaged amongst coral
Minute filefish camouflaged amongst the feeding tentacles of a coral polyps. Minute filefish (Rudarius minutus) are capable of changing the colour

Triplefin hiding amongst corals. Triplefin (family Tripterygiidae) fish sheltering in a small Tubastrea Sp. coral colony (dark) surrounded by Xenia sp. corals (light)

Honeycomb Coral - Polyps - Coral Sea
VT-1405 Honeycomb Coral - Polyps Coral Sea Favites abdita Valerie & Ron Taylor Please note that prints are for personal display purposes only and may not be reproduced in any way

Fluorescence Grass Coral - Close up of fluorescence grass coral polyps 
VT-5115 Fluorescence Grass Coral - Close up of fluorescence grass coral polyps Galaxea fascicularis Valerie & Ron Taylor Please note that prints are for personal display purposes only

Coral polyps - Night. Feeding on polychate worm, Coral polyps are carnivours. They feed on other animals Heron Is
VT-8378 Coral polyps - Night. Feeding on polychate worm Heron Is. Great Barrier Reef. Australia Tubastrea faulkneri Coral polyps are carnivours

Soft coral polyps - Papua New Guinea
VT-8941 Soft coral polyps Papua New Guinea Xenia sp. Valerie & Ron Taylor Please note that prints are for personal display purposes only and may not be reproduced in any way

Coral Polyps - Caught in the act of retracting into the central body - this small coral colony looks a little like a
VT-8856 Coral Polyps - Caught in the act of retracting into the central body - this small coral colony looks a little like a space creature Papua New Guinea. Goniopora sp

A boulder coral (Diploastrea heliopora), with polyps partially extended. Andaman Sea, Myanmar
AUS-646 Boulder coral with partially extended polyps, flesh retracted into the protecting limestone skeleton. Andaman Sea

Coral polyps - Night, Polyp stinging small fish to death before devouring it Heron Island, Great Barrier Reef
VT-8379 Coral polyps - Night, Polyp stinging small fish to death before devouring it Heron Island, Great Barrier Reef, Australia Tubastrea faulkneri Valerie & Ron Taylor Please note that prints are

Coral Polyp - Night, Polyp stinging small fish to death before devouring it Heron Island, Great Barrier Reef. Australia
VT-8375 Coral Polyp - Night, Polyp stinging small fish to death before devouring it Heron Island, Great Barrier Reef. Australia Tubastrea faulkneri Valerie & Ron Taylor Please note that prints are

Bubble coral (Plerogrya sinuosa). Na ama Bay, Sharm El Sheikh, South Sinai, Red Sea, Egypt
Anna Segeren / SplashdownDirect

Tiny Red Goby (Pleurosicya sp) Two resting on coral Mabul Island, Borneo, Malaysia. (RR)
Alan James / SplashdownDirect

Pair of wire coral gobies, Bryaninops yongei, on wire coral, Cirripathes anguina, Ailuk atoll, Marshall Islands
Andre Seale / SplashdownDirect

Coral polyps, - Night. Worms attracted by camera light excite these cup corals into a feeding frenzy Heron Is
VT-8373 Coral polyps, - Night. Worms attracted by camera light excite these cup corals into a feeding frenzy Heron Is. Great barrier reef, Australia

All Professionally Made to Order for Quick Shipping

"Discovering the Enigmatic World of Polyps: A Fascinating Glimpse into Coral's Carnivorous Nature" Delve into the mesmerizing realm of polyps, as captured in Picture No. 11676238. Here, a coral polyp is seen at night, feasting on a polychaete worm, showcasing their carnivorous tendencies. These incredible creatures are not mere passive organisms; they actively hunt and consume other animals to sustain themselves. The Great Barrier Reef off Heron Island in Australia serves as an enchanting backdrop for these captivating scenes. In another snapshot, we witness a coral polyp engrossed in devouring a fish under the cover of darkness - an astonishing sight that highlights their predatory prowess. However, competition arises even among these seemingly stationary beings. Two determined polyps engage in a fierce battle over a small fish during the nocturnal hours on Heron Island's reef. This intense struggle showcases both the resourcefulness and tenacity exhibited by these tiny yet mighty organisms. Venturing beyond Australian waters, we encounter Gorgonian Seafan Coral (Gorgonacea) polyps opening up to feed amidst the South China Sea's depths. The vibrant colors and intricate textures of this multi-textured coral cluster serve as testament to nature's artistic brilliance. To further appreciate the diversity within this group, let us turn our attention to Ernst Haeckel's illustrations from "Kunstformen der Natur" (Art Forms in Nature). Plate 16 introduces us to Pegantha Narcomedusae - ethereal jellyfish-like creatures with delicate tentacles floating gracefully through water columns. Plate 9 unveils Maeandrina Hexacoralla - stunning hexagonal-shaped corals adorned with elaborate patterns reminiscent of ornate mazes or labyrinths. These illustrations remind us that while photographs capture moments frozen in time, art allows us to explore fantastical interpretations of nature's wonders.