Pictured above you can see fire coral took over the skeleton of a dead sea fan, assuming a ghostly tree-like shape.
This coral is a reddish-brown in color. This is due to the presence of a symbiotic algae known as zooxanthellae that lives inside of the coral tissues. Zooxanthellae helps rid the coral of waste products and the coral in turn protects the algae from predators.
It is a "branch" type of coral found all over Okinawa. Dive with caution when around this type of coral, brushing up against it will cause a painfully burning sensation, swelling, and intense itching.
Despite the similarity, fire corals are not hard corals. They form skeleton, but are hydrocorals, of the Class Hydrozoa. The skeleton have very small pores from which two types of polyps emerge: Dactylozooids, which are defensive polyps, and Gastrozooids, used for food capture and consumption. When the polyps are expanded, the coral have a "hairy" appearance.
Fire Coral gets its name from its flame like appearance, but could just as easily be named for the burning sting it inflicts if touched. Fire coral can actually grow in three different shapes and can overgrow other corals. The burning sensation received when stung by Fire Coral can be eliminated by flushing the area with vinegar, although the tenderness can last for up to a month. Never use fresh water to rinse an area that has been stung. The fresh water triggers more of the stinging cells on your skin and will result in more "burning".
Remember: Some Suggested Precautions
Fire Coral is one of the many venomous coelenterates, and, together with sea anemones and stinging hydroids, is non-mobile and sting only when touched. However, the stinging is caused by nematocysts, like with all the other venomous coelenterates.
The First Aid measures are similar for all the stings from these animals:
1. The victim should be rescued from the water, laid down and reasssured ( in case of serious and very painful stings). Cardiopulmonary resuscitation may be necessary.
2. Rinse the skin with sea water, do not use fresh water, do not apply ice and do not rub the skin. If any part of the animal is still adhering to the skin, it should be irrigated with vinegar and gently lifted off, preferably with tweezers and gloves. Avoid rough handling that may make more nematocysts fire.
3. In case of distressed victims, tranquilizers may be indicated.
4. For Pain Relief. Isopropyl Alcohol has been widely used and recommended, although its use is now considered to possibly trigger the discharge of more nematocysts. Ice paks may releve the pain of milder stings. Soaking with white vinegar is still recommended for pain relief, by many specialists. Local anesthetics, such as preparations containing lignocaine, can be used for effective pain relief. Steroid ointments may be also be used in case of severe itching prior and during healing.
5. Allergic reactions are possible, and should be kept into consideration and treated according to medical directions.
6. Infections during healing are possible, and should be treated with adequate antibiotics, under medical supervision. Remember: in case of infection the use of any topical steroid should be discontinued.
