Cup Coral Collection

A colony of bright cup corals in Raja Ampat, Indonesia
A colony of bright cup corals (Tubastrea sp.) grows on a limestone undercut in Raja Ampat, Indonesia. This remote region is known as the heart of the Coral Triangle

nobody, outdoors, night, one animal, nature, tropical climate, ocean and sea, underwater
Polyps of cup coral feeding at night

Indonesia, Papua, Raja Ampat. Coral trout swims past reef
Coral trout (Plectropomus leopardus) swims past reef, Raja Ampat, Papua, Indonesia. Credit as: Jones-Shimlock / Jaynes Gallery / DanitaDelimont

Coral polyps feeding, Beqa Lagoon, Fiji

Sea cups in Raja Ampat, Indonesia

1 cm yellow tube polyp with a small macroscopic Isopod feeding on it
1 cm yellow tube polyp captured at 4.5x life size with what appears to be a small macroscopic Isopod feeding on it, Bonaire, Caribbean Netherlands

Soft corals, sponges, and other invertebrates on a reef in Indonesia
Soft corals, sponges, and other invertebrates compete for space on a beautiful reef in Indonesia. This tropical region, within the Coral Triangle, is home to an incredible variety of marine life

Yellow Tubastrea coral feeding at night, Bonaire, Caribbean Netherlands

A diver hovers above a coral colony in Komodo National Park, Indonesia
A diver hovers above a coral colony (Tubastrea sp.) in Komodo National Park, Indonesia. This tropical region in Indonesia is known for its spectacular coral reefs and high marine biodiversity

Detailed view of yellow tube coral (Tubastrea) polyps with parasites, Bonaire, Caribbean Netherlands

Cup coral polyps hang under a ledge on a reef in Fiji

Close-up of orange cup coral in the Caribbean

Propeller of Hilma Hooker shipwreck in Bonaire

Small sea anenomes feeding at night, Bonaire, Caribbean Netherlands

Bright orange cup corals grow on a vibrant reef in Indonesia
Bright orange cup corals (Tubastrea sp.) grow on a vibrant reef in Komodo National Park, Indonesia. This beautiful area harbors extraordinary marine biodiversity

Cup Corals (Tubastrea sp. ), Bligh Water, Viti Levu, Fiji, South Pacific
Cup Corals (Tubastrea sp.), Bligh Water, Viti Levu, Fiji, South Pacific

Cave coral (Tubastrea sp. ) (Dendrophyllidae) polyps extended and feeding at night, Queensland, Australia, Pacific
Cave coral (Tubastrea sp.) (Dendrophyllidae) polyps extended and feeding at night, Queensland, Australia, Pacific

Examples of sea anemones and corals on rocks and shells, including snakelocks anemone, beadlet anemone, plumrose or frilled anemone, wartlet anemone, sagartia anemone, cup coral

Selection of flower-like Sea Anemones (Actiniaria), view from above

cup coral, Scuba Diving at Tukang Besi / Wakatobi Archipelago Marine Preserve, South Sulawesi
cup coral, Scuba Diving at Tukang Besi/Wakatobi Archipelago Marine Preserve, South Sulawesi, Indonesia, S.E. Asia

Triplefin hiding amongst corals. Triplefin (family Tripterygiidae) fish sheltering in a small Tubastrea Sp. coral colony (dark) surrounded by Xenia sp. corals (light)

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In the depths of the Indonesian night, amidst the enchanting Raja Ampat region, a hidden world comes alive. Nobody witnesses this mesmerizing spectacle outdoors, for it takes place beneath the surface of the ocean. Here, in this tropical haven where nature thrives and sea creatures roam freely, lies a breathtaking sight - cup coral. Found in various corners of Indonesia's vast Indian Ocean, from Papua to Raja Ampat and Misool Islands, these colonies of vibrant cup corals create an underwater paradise like no other. Their delicate polyps hang gracefully under ledges on reefs in Fiji as well. As darkness falls upon Beqa Lagoon in Fiji, coral polyps emerge to feed with fervor. The detailed view reveals yellow tube coral (Tubastrea) polyps indulging in their nocturnal feast, and is a sight that showcases both beauty and survival within this intricate ecosystem. Amidst all these wonders lie sea cups scattered across Raja Ampat's pristine waters. These tiny structures house life forms so small they are barely visible to the naked eye. A mere 1 cm yellow tube polyp becomes home to a microscopic Isopod feeding on its surface. But cup corals do not exist alone; they coexist with soft corals, sponges, and countless other fascinating invertebrates that adorn Indonesia's reefs. Together they form an interconnected web of life that sustains itself against all odds. Though hidden from human eyes at nightfall when most retreat indoors or gaze at distant stars above ground; cup corals continue their silent dance beneath tranquil waves. They remind us of nature's resilience and beauty even when unseen by our curious gazes. So let us cherish these moments captured through lenses and shared with awe-struck hearts - for they unveil glimpses into an extraordinary realm we often overlook: the mysterious world thriving beneath our oceans' depths.