Discophyton
Discophyton is a genus of mushroom corals, colonial stony corals in the family Fungiidae. They are typically solitary, free-living corals, with a mushroom-shaped, flat, disk-like polyp that sits on a short, thick stalk. Discophyton corals are found in the Indo-Pacific region and are popular in the aquarium trade due to their unique appearance and relatively easy care requirements.
Common Names
Common names for Discophyton corals include:
- Mushroom coral
- Disk coral
- Plate coral
Characteristics
Discophyton corals have several distinctive features that set them apart from other coral genera:
- Mushroom-shaped polyps: Their polyps are characterized by a flattened, disk-like shape with a central mouth surrounded by tentacles.
- Short, thick stalk: The polyp sits on a short, sturdy stalk that helps to anchor the coral to the substrate.
- Solitary growth habit: Discophyton corals typically grow as individual polyps, unlike many other corals that form large colonies.
- Highly variable coloration: These corals can exhibit a wide range of colors, including brown, green, orange, and yellow.
- Symbiotic relationship with zooxanthellae: Like many other corals, Discophyton species host symbiotic algae called zooxanthellae within their tissues, which provide the coral with nutrients through photosynthesis.
Environment
Discophyton corals are found in tropical and subtropical waters of the Indo-Pacific region. They prefer shallow, clear waters with moderate currents and good sunlight exposure. They typically inhabit rocky or sandy substrates, where they can anchor themselves securely.
References
World Register of Marine Species (WoRMS)