Astrea

Astrea is a genus of large, robust, reef-building stony corals belonging to the family Merulinidae. They are found in the Indo-Pacific region and are characterized by their distinctive, knobby, and often colorful appearance.

Star Bolder Coral – Astrea curta

Common Names

Common names for species within this genus include:

  • Brain Coral
  • Knobby Coral
  • Boulder Coral

Characteristics

Astrea corals are typically massive, dome-shaped, or boulder-like structures, often reaching significant sizes. They are characterized by:

  • Corallites: Individual coral polyps are housed in cup-like structures called corallites, which are arranged in a convoluted pattern, giving the coral its distinctive knobby appearance.
  • Septa: The corallites are lined with radial partitions called septa, which add to the structural strength and provide protection for the polyps.
  • Coloration: Astrea corals exhibit a wide range of colors, including brown, grey, green, pink, and even orange. The coloration can be due to pigments in the coral tissue, symbiotic algae (zooxanthellae), or a combination of both.

Environment

Astrea corals are found in shallow, tropical waters, typically in reef environments. They are often found in areas exposed to strong currents and wave action. They are known to be relatively tolerant of both high and low water temperatures.

References