Yuchak-namu-dolsanho
Endangered Coral
Dendrophyllia cribrosa
An endangered coral found at about 25 m depth off the west of Dokdo's Seodo. It has Korea's largest colony (about 4 m × 3 m) and is an indicator species of the Dokdo ecosystem, where cold and warm currents meet.
Newly appeared at Dokdo as warm currents strengthen
Scientific name Dendrophyllia cribrosa. Originally a species distributed along the South Sea coast, it is reported to have newly appeared at Dokdo as warm currents strengthened. It is an indicator species of the Dokdo ecosystem, where cold and warm currents meet.
Korea's largest colony, 25 m at Dokdo's Seodo
Korea's largest colony (about 4 m × 3 m) is distributed on rock at about 25 m depth (habitat 20–30 m) off the west of Dokdo's Seodo. It was discovered in a 2016 survey by the National Institute of Biological Resources (NIBR), and 368 invertebrate species have been reported in the surrounding waters.
Where to meet the endangered coral
As a Dokdo nature reserve, access and filming are restricted and it is treated mainly for academic and filming purposes. Underwater contact and collection are prohibited.