SPECIES: Dendronephthya australis — Cauliflower Soft Coral
CLASSIFICATION: Endangered
Strangely enough, Cauliflower Soft Coral does indeed resemble cauliflower, down to its bushy appearach (doesn't it just!) Found in estuaries and coastal waters of central NSW, this species of coral is also important for the habitat garden it creates for many marine species, including White's Seahorse (also endangered). Sadly, in the 10 years from 2011-2021, the population of Cauliflower Soft Coral has decreased by more than 90%. Habitat loss and degradation are the biggest threats to this coral, caused by the increase in extreme weather events as well as boat moorings along the seafloor.
Photo: John Turnbull