Large bear paw coral - M Lifelike cast of bear paw coral from the lagoons of Oceania. Coral is actually a living organism of the family Cnidaires. Corals generally live in colonies or "superorganisms" of individuals called polyps. Each polyp secretes its own external skeleton, which can be soft or hard depending on the species. Our collection of corals in resin is handmade and exactly reproduces the texture of living specimens, which are now protected species.