Cladopsammia
Cladopsammia is a genus of colonial stony corals belonging to the family Dendrophylliidae. These corals are characterized by their branching growth form, resembling a miniature tree, and their distinctive polyps, which are typically small and have a distinctive, flared collar surrounding the mouth.
Common Names
Cladopsammia species are commonly known as "branching corals" or "tree corals" due to their distinctive growth form. However, specific common names for individual species are not widely used.
Characteristics
Cladopsammia corals exhibit the following key characteristics:
- Colonial growth: They form colonies composed of numerous individual polyps connected by a common skeleton.
- Branching morphology: Their colonies typically grow in a branching pattern, resembling a miniature tree or shrub.
- Small polyps: Individual polyps are relatively small, often measuring only a few millimeters in diameter.
- Flared collar: Each polyp has a distinctive, flared collar surrounding the mouth.
- Calcareous skeleton: Their skeletons are composed of calcium carbonate, which provides structural support.
Environments
Cladopsammia corals are found in a variety of marine environments, including:
- Tropical and subtropical waters: They typically occur in warm, shallow waters.
- Coral reefs: They are often found on coral reefs, where they may grow in association with other coral species.
- Rocky substrates: They may also attach to rocky substrates, such as cliffs and boulders.
References
For more information about Cladopsammia, please refer to the following resources: