milleporeArticle Free Pass millepore, also called stinging
coral, or pepper coral, (Millepora), any of a genus of
invertebrate marine animals comprising the order Milleporina
(phylum Cnidaria). Millepores are common in shallow tropical
seas to depths of 30 metres (about 100 feet). Unlike the true
corals, which belong to the class Anthozoa, millepores are
closely related to the hydra. Both hydras and the millepores
belong to the class Hydrozoa. Some species form branching
treelike growths up to 50 centimetres (about 20 inches) high.
Others form massive and shapeless or leaflike growths. Most are
whitish, yellowish, or beige in colour. As with other
cnidarians, they bear powerful stinging structures called
nematocysts, which are used for defense and for capturing food.
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