Fimbriaphyllia
Fimbriaphyllia is a genus of stony corals in the family Mussidae. The genus was named by Veron in 1990. This genus is found in the Indo-Pacific region, where it is often called the “frilled mushroom coral” or “spiny mushroom coral”.
Common Names
* Frilled mushroom coral* Spiny mushroom coral
Characteristics
Fimbriaphyllia corals are characterized by their mushroom-shaped colonies, which can be solitary or form small clusters. The colonies are typically composed of a single, large polyp with a wide, flattened oral disc. The polyps have a number of tentacles arranged in a circle around the mouth. These tentacles are typically short and thick, and they are covered in stinging nematocysts. The coral skeleton is a solid, thick structure that is covered in a thin layer of living tissue. The coral's surface can be smooth or covered in small, spiny projections.
Environments
Fimbriaphyllia corals are found in shallow, clear waters of the Indo-Pacific region. They prefer areas with strong currents and good water circulation. They are typically found attached to hard substrates, such as rocks or coral rubble. The genus is found in areas of the Indian Ocean, the Red Sea, and the Pacific Ocean. They occur at depths ranging from 10 to 40 meters.
References
* World Register of Marine Species* Australian Institute of Marine Science