It is found in the Caribbean Sea and western Atlantic Ocean and also along the coast of West Africa.

[3][4] This species is known to be some of the oldest forms of life on earth due to the slow growth rate of the coral.

The coral is formed from tiny polyps that attach together at the base of their skeletons and branch outward.

[2] These are photosynthetic and use the carbon dioxide and waste materials produced by the coral, supplying oxygen and organic compounds in return.

It is prone to coral diseases but its chief threat is the loss of reef habitat through mechanical damage, violent storms, a rise in sea temperatures, ocean acidification, pollution, increased sedimentation and tourism.