Colonies are small clumps of tubular corallites. Together clumps can cover many square metres, particularly under overhangs, in caves and in other darkened locations.

Colonies are orange or red. Polyps are usually extended at night, and are bright yellow.

This species likes artificial substrates and has been spreading in the western Atlantic for 60 years. They may have been introduced from the IndoPacific, according to Fenner. One authority, however, (EW) suggests the correct name is T. aurea and that this may not be an introduced species.

Fenner, D. and Banks, K.  2004.  Orange cup coral, Tubastraea coccinea, invades Florida and the Flower Garden Banks, Northwestern Gulf of Mexico.  Coral Reefs 23: 505-507.