Astrocoeniidae
The Astrocoeniidae are a family of stony corals in the order Scleractinia. They are characterized by their massive, colonial growth forms and their unique skeletal structure. They are found in tropical and subtropical waters worldwide.
Common Names
Astrocoeniidae are commonly known as "star corals" or "brain corals" due to their star-shaped or brain-like patterns on their surfaces.
Characteristics
Astrocoeniidae are characterized by the following:
- Massive, colonial growth forms.
- Star-shaped or brain-like patterns on the surface of their colonies.
- Skeletal structure composed of numerous small, interconnected corallites.
- Polyps are typically small and have a single, central mouth surrounded by tentacles.
Environments
Astrocoeniidae are found in a variety of marine environments, including:
- Coral reefs
- Lagoons
- Seagrass beds
- Rocky shores
References
For further information, please refer to the following reliable sources: