RED CORAL BEGINS LIFE at anywhere between three and 1500 metres below the surface of the ocean in areas such as the Mediterranean Sea and areas in the Pacific Ocean around Japan and Taiwan. It has also been found in areas in the Atlantic Ocean, near the Strait of Gibraltar and at the Cape Verde Islands. Believe it or not, none of the world’s supply of red coral comes from Australian waters; it is not the right species of coral and all of our coral reefs are protected. Coral starts as a polyp surrounded by a fleshy skin which secretes calcium carbonate, forming branches and fans that can be found in colours ranging from crimson red to pale pink and white. The coral structures can grow up to 50cm in height and contain tentacles that collect passing zooplankton for nutrition. Red coral can live for up to 75
