A massive reef-building coral species native to the Caribbean Sea, characterized by its robust and complex skeletal structure that forms significant marine ecosystem components.
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Ecology & Habitat
Habitat
Tropical and subtropical marine environments, typically found in depths between 1-40 meters in Caribbean coral reef systems, preferring clear, warm waters with stable temperatures ranging from 24-29°C.
Ecological Role
Critical foundation species in Caribbean reef ecosystems, providing habitat and shelter for numerous marine organisms, contributing to marine biodiversity, coastal protection, and supporting complex marine food webs.
Morphology
SKIN COATCalcareous skeleton with smooth to slightly irregular surface texture
HEAD SENSORYPolyps with tentacular structures capable of detecting environmental chemical and mechanical stimuli
BODY STRUCTUREMassive, rounded coral colonies with intricate surface patterns, forming large hemispheric structures up to 2 meters in diameter, composed of calcium carbonate exoskeletons
Data Source: TaxonHub Database
Image Credit: NOAA - Joyce and Frank Burek
