Dipsastraea

Dipsastraea is a genus of colonial stony corals, belonging to the family Merulinidae. Commonly referred to as “pillar corals”, they are characterized by their massive, columnar growth forms, often resembling pillars or mounds. They are found in tropical and subtropical coral reefs around the world, playing a vital role in the ecosystem by providing habitat and shelter for numerous marine organisms.

Characteristics

Dipsastraea corals are typically characterized by the following features:

  • Massive, columnar growth forms: They are known for their upright, pillar-like structures that can grow to considerable sizes.
  • Corallites: Their polyps, the individual coral animals, are housed in small, cup-shaped depressions called corallites, which are arranged in a densely packed manner.
  • Thick walls: The corallites are separated by thick, strong walls, giving the colony a robust and durable structure.
  • Coloration: Dipsastraea corals exhibit a wide range of colors, including browns, tans, greens, and yellows. Their coloration can vary depending on environmental factors and species.

Environments

Dipsastraea corals are found in a variety of marine environments, including:

  • Coral reefs: They are a common component of both shallow and deep-water reefs, contributing significantly to the reef structure and biodiversity.
  • Lagoons: They can also tolerate the calmer, often turbid waters of lagoons, where they may form dense aggregations.
  • Reef slopes: They are often found on reef slopes, where they are exposed to moderate wave action and sunlight.

Distribution

Dipsastraea corals have a wide distribution, occurring in tropical and subtropical waters around the world, including:

  • Caribbean Sea
  • Western Atlantic Ocean
  • Indo-Pacific region
  • Red Sea

References

For more information on Dipsastraea, refer to these reliable sources: