Pavona varians is a marine scleractinian coral species characterized by its complex, irregular growth pattern and distinctive surface texture found in tropical reef ecosystems.
Image Gallery
ADSENSE SLOT
Ecology & Habitat
Habitat
Primarily inhabits shallow tropical and subtropical marine environments, typically in coral reefs of the Caribbean and Eastern Pacific regions at depths between 1-30 meters, preferring areas with moderate water currents and stable substrate.
Ecological Role
Critical component of coral reef ecosystems, providing habitat structure for marine organisms, contributing to reef biodiversity, and playing a significant role in marine carbon sequestration and calcium carbonate formation.
Morphology
SKIN COATHard calcium carbonate exoskeleton with variable coloration including shades of brown, green, and gray
LIMBS WINGSNo limbs or wings; growth pattern characterized by interconnected coral polyps forming complex calcium carbonate skeletal structure
HEAD SENSORYPolyps distributed across colony surface, capable of basic chemosensory and light perception
BODY STRUCTUREMassive, encrusting coral with irregular, undulating surface featuring pronounced ridges and valleys, typically forming colonies ranging from 10-50 cm in diameter
Data Source: TaxonHub Database
Image Credit: NPS Photo - Eva DiDonato
