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Fire coral and hydroids

All cnidarians have stinging cells on their tentacles with which they can defend themselves and immobilize their prey. In most cases, however, these are rather weak and are usually not capable of penetrating human skin. One group, class Hydrozoa, which includes the fire corals and their relatives, has members capable of inflicting very painful stings. The notorious Portuguese-man of-war (Physalia physalis) is a hydrozoan, and not, despite its appearance, a jellyfish. Fortunately for divers this animal is more of an open ocean dweller.

Stinging hydroids. A far greater nuisance to divers in Indonesia are the hydroids Aglaophenia and Lytocarpus. Despite their delicate, fern-like appearance, these colonial animals can deliver a burning sting that raises a welt on bare skin. They are fairly common on many Indonesian reefs, and their presence prompts divers to wear Lycra or thin neoprene suits even in the warmest of conditions. The stinging hydroids are sometimes called sea ferns, or sea nettles.