Eusmilia is easy to spot, with its large tubular ­corallites and pale-yellow color. Being the only species like it in the Caribbean, this recognizable coral should be easy to spot and a joy to photograph.

Eusmilia colonies can grow into small mounds about 20 inches across. The colony grows long tubular corallites that extend from the base in groups of one to three tubes. Corallites are the part of the coral where polyps live.

The tips of each corallite are oval or peanut shaped and have a ridged texture. At night, fleshy polyps extend from the corallite to feed on passing zooplankton.

When the polyps are extended, this coral has a flower-like appearance, which is where it gets the common name “smooth flower coral.” During the day, this coral looks more like a trumpet.

At night, shine your dive light near the polyp, and copepods or zooplankton will start gathering around your light. Try drifting them toward the coral, and with any luck, the polyp will grab hold and race to consume the food.

Eusmilia corallites can appear to be budding from the ground. This happens when ­sediments and algae grow between the corallite branches, resulting in the space filling up and only a few inches of the ­corallite showing.

Eusmilia is ­commonly found in the Caribbean, Gulf of Mexico, the Bahamas and southern Florida at depths down to about 200 feet.