What are some different types of coral?

Types of coral include both hard coral and soft coral. Hard corals include the hydrocorals and stony corals, while the soft corals include Gorgonians and Black Corals.

Both types of hard corals are made up of calcium carbonite. Hydrocorals can be further divided into fire and lace corals. The fire corals give a burning sensation when in contact with the skin. Lace corals are named because of their branched skeletal appearance.

The soft corals are named for their lack of permanent hardened skeletons. The Gorgonian corals in this category are attached to a base like a tree trunk. They also have extensive branching patterns like the top of a tree.