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Biscayne National ParkThe touch table provides endless fascination when feeling the skeletons of life.
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Biscayne National Park
Other Invertebrates (corals, sponges, worms, etc.)
 
Nature and Science

Hiding under rocks by day, brittle stars can be seen out on sponges and soft corals at night.

These species have been documented in the park. They are sorted alphabetically by common name. The list is not exhaustive, and documented sightings of species not on this list are welcome. Submit your sightings to the webmaster.






Black-ball Sponge, Ircinia strobilina
Christmas Tree Worm, Spirobranchus giganteus
Cushion Sea Star, Oreaster reticulatus
Elkhorn Coral, Acropora palmata
Fire Coral, Millepora alcicornis and M. complanata
Fire Sponge, Tedania ignis
Golden Tube Worm, Cistenides sp.
Golfball Coral, Favia fragum
Loggerhead Sponge, Spheciospongia vesparium
Pillar Coral, Dendrogyra cylindrus
Portuguese Man-of-War, Physalia physalis
Smooth Gooseneck Barnacle, Lepas anatifera
Staghorn Coral, Acropora cervicornis
Upsidedown (or Mangrove) Jelly, Cassiopea, at least 1 spp.
Intricate patterns of the brain coral
Coral Reefs
Take an in-depth look at corals and coral reefs.
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Corals in the nursery
Coral Nursery
Biscayne's innovative effort to restore damaged reefs.
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Coral Nursery Club
Volunteer to help care for and document Biscayne's coral nurseries.
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two green sea turtles  

Did You Know?
Many sea turtles live in the waters of Biscayne National Park and often nest on the park's few sandy beaches. Park employees monitor nesting beaches each summer to protect new nests from raccoons and other predators.
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Last Updated: July 24, 2006 at 22:37 EST