Colobometridae
Colobometridae is a family of stony corals in the order Scleractinia. They are commonly known as “branching corals” due to their distinctive growth patterns. The family comprises about 100 species, classified into 13 genera. The branching nature of these corals provides a complex habitat for a wide range of marine organisms, making them important components of the coral reef ecosystem.
Characteristics
Colobometridae corals typically exhibit branching or digitate growth forms. They have a hard, calcareous skeleton, which forms the structure of the colony. The polyps, which are the individual animals that make up the coral colony, are relatively small and are housed within individual cups or corallites. They have a ring of tentacles surrounding their mouths, which they use to capture food. Most species have a symbiotic relationship with zooxanthellae, single-celled algae that live within their tissues and provide them with energy through photosynthesis.
Habitat and Distribution
Colobometridae corals are found primarily in tropical and subtropical waters around the world. They are particularly abundant in the Indo-Pacific region, but are also found in the Caribbean and other regions. They typically inhabit shallow, well-lit waters, where they can receive adequate sunlight for their symbiotic algae to thrive. These corals are often found on the outer slopes of reefs and in areas with strong currents, where they can benefit from increased nutrient availability.
Genera
The Colobometridae family includes the following genera:
- Acropora
- Anacropora
- Astreopora
- Colobometra
- Dipsastraea
- Isopora
- Leptastrea
- Montipora
- Pachyseris
- Pocillopora
- Seriatopora
- Stylophora
- Siderastrea
References
For more information, consult these reliable sources: