A colonial stony coral species belonging to the Merulinidae family, characterized by its complex and intricate skeletal structure with interconnected corallites.
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Ecology & Habitat
Habitat
Tropical and subtropical marine environments, typically found in coral reefs of the Indo-Pacific region at depths ranging from 1-40 meters, preferring moderate to high light conditions and stable water temperatures between 24-29°C.
Ecological Role
Crucial reef-building coral that provides critical habitat and shelter for marine organisms, contributes to coastal protection, and supports marine biodiversity through complex symbiotic relationships with zooxanthellae algae.
Morphology
SKIN COATSoft tissue layer covering hard calcium carbonate skeleton, displaying various pigmentation patterns
HEAD SENSORYPolyps with retractable tentacles containing specialized cnidocytes for capturing microscopic prey
BODY STRUCTUREMassive, encrusting coral colony with interconnected, irregular corallites forming complex brain-like surfaces, typically 10-30 cm in diameter
Data Source: TaxonHub Database
Image Credit: NPS - Larry Basch
