Cladocoridae
Cladocoridae is a family of stony corals in the order Scleractinia. The family contains 11 genera and 44 species, distributed throughout the tropical and subtropical waters of the world. Cladocoridae corals are typically small, solitary or colonial, and are characterized by their distinctive corallites, which are usually cup-shaped or cylindrical and often have a prominent central columella.
Common Names
Cladocoridae corals are commonly known as "mushroom corals" due to their distinctive shape. Some species are also referred to as "button polyps" or "disk corals."
Characteristics
Cladocoridae corals exhibit a range of characteristics, including:
- Solitary or colonial growth forms: Some species form colonies with individual polyps connected by a common tissue, while others are solitary and live as individual polyps.
- Cup-shaped or cylindrical corallites: The corallites, which are the individual skeletal structures of each polyp, are typically cup-shaped or cylindrical with a prominent central columella.
- Presence of septa: The corallites are divided by radial partitions called septa, which are usually well-developed and may be arranged in a variety of patterns.
- Diverse coloration: Cladocoridae corals display a wide range of colors, including brown, orange, yellow, green, and red.
- Symbiosis with zooxanthellae: Most species of Cladocoridae corals have a symbiotic relationship with zooxanthellae, single-celled algae that provide them with nutrients through photosynthesis.
Environments
Cladocoridae corals are typically found in shallow, tropical and subtropical waters. They prefer environments with clear water and adequate sunlight. Many species inhabit coral reefs, while others are found on rocky shores, seagrass beds, and other hard substrates.
References
For more information about Cladocoridae corals, consult the following reliable sources: