Eyes of the ReefInvasive species are introduced or native species that respond to changing environmental conditions and overgrow reefs and change natural reef structures and food webs. Below are some of the most destructive invasive invertebrates found on our local reefs. Early detection of these species are crucial to reef health.
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- Octocorals have been exhibiting blooming tendencies by overgrowing and smothering corals. (in this picture: Sarcothelia edmondsoni)
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- Blue Octocoral (Sarcothelia edmondsoni) growing up finger corals, smothering them.
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- There are 11 known species of octocorals in Hawai‘i. Octocorals have been exhibiting blooming tendencies on Kona Coast.
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- Unidentified octocoral smothering corals on Kona Coast.
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- Upside-down Jellyfish (Cassiopea sp. ) is an introduced species sometimes found in large numbers in calm lagoons and harbors.
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- Upside-down Jellyfish (Cassiopea andromeda ) is an introduced species sometimes found in large numbers in calm lagoons and harbors.
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- Upside-down Jellyfish (Cassiopea sp. ) is an introduced species found in Kawaihae harbor.
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- Snowflake Coral (Carijoa sp.) is an invasive octocoral that displaces native species. It is white but branches may occur orange due to encrusting sponge.
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- Snowflake Coral (Carijoa sp.) is an invasive octocoral that displaces native species. It has overgrown and killed over 60% of Hawaii’s black coral.
Eyes of the Reef 