DO NOT TOUCH: Florida’s Reefs Face Dangerous Invasion from 'Soft' Species

Screenshot from the FWCPhoto byFWC Facebook

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission’s (FWC) Fish and Wildlife Research Institute is calling on the public to help combat the spread of invasive soft corals, known as "pulse" corals, that have been confirmed on Caribbean reefs. These Indo-Pacific species, also referred to as Xenia or Unomia, pose a serious threat to native coral and seagrass ecosystems.

The invasive corals, which continuously open and close their polyps, have already been spotted on reefs in Venezuela, Cuba, and Puerto Rico. Their rapid growth and ability to overtake large areas make them a significant threat to Florida’s Coral Reef. The FWC is urging anyone who encounters these corals to report them immediately to help prevent their spread.

Invasive soft corals can range from 2 to 10 inches in height and form dense fields that cover acres of underwater habitats. They are identified by their stalks with branching polyps, which can vary in color from grey and green to brown, with pale stalks. The polyps do not retract and are constantly in motion, "pulsing."

"If seen, DO NOT TOUCH – invasive soft corals can reproduce through fragmentation, which allows it to quickly spread and take over an area if improperly removed," the FWC noted in their Facebook post.

These corals reproduce through fragmentation, meaning improper handling can accelerate their spread. Instead, FWC urges the public to take photos, document the GPS coordinates, and report sightings to the Nonindigenous Aquatic Species Sighting Report Form: https://nas.er.usgs.gov/SightingReport.aspx.

Help protect Florida’s Coral Reef by keeping an eye out for this invasive species and reporting any sightings immediately.