Balanophyllia bairdiana is a small anemone like species that belongs to a collective order of species (including anemones and stone corals) that is known as Hexacorallians. This species belongs to the order Scleractinia (stony corals) and is in the family Dendrophylliidae. It is known to occur in the waters of the Indo-western Pacific region. This species can be found in the waters of south-eastern Australia from depths of 5 to 75 metres and is found on reef habitats. This species varies in colour and may be orange, pink or white. During the daytime the tentacles generally remain contracted and at night they emerge to feed. Balanophyllia bairdiana has a maximum diameter of approximately 2cm.
|