It is a large polyp, colonial coral and grows under overhangs and in caves as part of an assemblage of organisms suited to these poorly-lit sites.

Growth in this species is achieved by budding from the basal lamina, and the rather diffuse colonies may be a metre or so in diameter.

It normally avoids direct sunlight and grows in caves and under overhangs at depths of 30 m (100 ft) or less.

Sexual reproduction has not been observed in this species, but the fact that the coral has a widespread distribution suggests that it is likely to occur.

[2] A study of the assemblages of organisms living in caves in southern Italy found that in the best-lit places near the entrance, algae were plentiful and in the deepest parts of the interior sponges predominated.