Orange cup coral

Photo: Matteo Bellucci · CC BY

Orange cup coral is an invasive species in the Caribbean, originating from the Pacific and spreading via hull fouling on ships. On the Stavronikita it has colonized every interior surface and much of the hull exterior, creating a vivid orange landscape that is genuinely spectacular by torchlight. Its rapid growth and asexual budding strategy allows it to outcompete native corals on hard substrates, making shipwrecks ideal habitat.