Cyphastrea
Cyphastrea is a genus of stony corals in the family Merulinidae. They are commonly known as star corals due to their star-shaped corallites. These corals are found throughout the Indo-Pacific region, from the Red Sea to the eastern Pacific Ocean. They are generally found in shallow, reef environments, often forming large colonies.
Characteristics
Cyphastrea corals are characterized by their robust, massive colonies. They have a distinctive growth form, typically forming rounded, dome-shaped structures with a rough, granular surface. Individual polyps, known as corallites, are small and star-shaped, with multiple radial ridges. These ridges are often prominent and give the coral its characteristic appearance.
Cyphastrea corals display a wide range of colors, including shades of brown, grey, green, and even yellow. They can be found in various forms, including massive, encrusting, and branching. Some species have a distinct, knobby appearance due to the presence of numerous, small, raised corallites.
Environment
Cyphastrea corals are typically found in shallow, tropical waters, often in areas with strong currents and high wave action. They are known to tolerate a wide range of salinity and temperature variations. These corals are often found growing in association with other reef-building corals, forming complex and diverse reef communities.
Distribution
Cyphastrea corals have a wide distribution in the Indo-Pacific region, stretching from the Red Sea and the eastern coast of Africa, across the Indian Ocean, to the western and central Pacific Ocean. They are also found in the eastern Pacific Ocean, off the coast of Central America.
Species
The genus Cyphastrea includes several recognized species, including:
- Cyphastrea microphthalma
- Cyphastrea serailia
- Cyphastrea chalcidicum
- Cyphastrea hendersoni
- Cyphastrea ocellina
References
For more information on Cyphastrea, refer to these reliable sources: