Euphylliidae
Euphylliidae is a family of stony corals, commonly known as “hammer corals” or “cup corals.” These corals are characterized by their distinctive, often mushroom-shaped or cup-like colonies. They are found in tropical and subtropical waters worldwide, primarily in the Indo-Pacific region.
Characteristics
Euphylliidae corals are generally characterized by the following features:
- Colonial: They form colonies consisting of numerous polyps, which are individual coral animals.
- Mushroom-shaped or Cup-like: Their colonies often have a distinctive, rounded or cup-shaped appearance.
- Large polyps: Euphylliid polyps are typically larger than those of many other coral families.
- Thick, fleshy tissues: The coral tissue is often thick and fleshy, giving the corals a somewhat rubbery texture.
- Diverse coloration: Euphylliid corals display a wide range of colors, including brown, green, orange, and red.
- Zooxanthellae: Like most reef-building corals, Euphylliidae species host symbiotic algae called zooxanthellae, which provide them with energy through photosynthesis.
Environments
Euphylliidae corals are typically found in shallow, reef environments. They prefer well-lit areas where they can access sufficient sunlight for their symbiotic algae. They are often encountered on reef slopes, in lagoons, and around reef edges.
Species
The Euphylliidae family includes several genera and species, including:
- Euphyllia
- Plerogyra
- Catalaphyllia
- Lobophyllia
- Fimbriaphyllia
References
World Register of Marine Species (WoRMS)