Photo of Animalia: White Telesto (species: Carijoa riisei)

White Telesto (Carijoa riisei) encrusting a boulder, Kurnell, Sydney, Australia

© John Turnbull

White telesto or "snowflake coral" is an octocoral that has uncertain origin. It was originally thought to be native to the Caribbean but recent studies indicate that it may be native to the Indo-Pacific region. It is considered to be an invasive species in Pacific Islands like Hawaii as it overgrows other species quickly. Does it belong in Australia? Kurnell

Photo taken on 15 Jan 2015