Invasive Corals in the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary

Sunday, February 21st

We are kicking off Invasive Species Week with a visit from the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary Resource Protection Team! Lionfish aren’t the only marine invader in the Florida Keys, and one of them might surprise you! Sun coral, Tubastraea sp., has now been documented on all major deep (60ft < and <130ft) wrecks / artificial structures within FKNMS. This beautiful invader is nonphotosynthetic and thrives in deep water where sunlight is scarce.

David Ganz, of the University of Miami and FKNMS Resource Protection Team, has been working to scientifically document the extent of the invasion in the FKNMS. He will be visiting the Key West Aquarium to share his work and showcase this lesser-known invasive species. Stop by to chat with him and see these corals up close!