Dendrophyllia ramea (medium)

Orange tree corals – Dendrophyllia ramea – belong to the group of stony corals (Scleractinia).
This iconic Atlantic–Mediterranean species remains relatively unknown due to its rarity and its preference for deeper waters, typically between 50 and 200 meters. With their branching growth and impressive size, these corals form majestic reef structures that leave a lasting impression on anyone fortunate enough to encounter them.

Their colonies host hundreds of associated species—fish, sponges, mollusks, octopuses, and countless other organisms that use the coral for feeding, shelter, or reproduction. Dendrophyllia ramea is therefore a key habitat-forming species in deep marine ecosystems.

Its conservation status is cause for concern:
– Listed as Vulnerable in the Red Book of Invertebrates of Andalusia
– Included in CITES Appendix II
– Classified as Endangered on the IUCN Red List for the Mediterranean

This high level of protection is necessary because most populations are isolated, small, and fragmented, living in deep, remote areas that are difficult to access. The main threats are marine pollution and fishing activities: discarded fishing gear and debris often become entangled in the coral’s large branches, damaging or destroying entire colonies.

Restoration projects of Dendrophyllia ramea are operated by our partner organization Coral Soul in La Herradura, Andalusia, Spain.