Goniastrea
Goniastrea is a genus of stony corals in the family Merulinidae. It is a common and widespread genus found in the Indo-Pacific region. The corals in this genus are characterized by their massive, dome-shaped colonies and their distinctive, often granular, corallites. Goniastrea corals are important components of reef ecosystems, providing habitat for a wide variety of marine life.
Common Names
Common names for Goniastrea corals include brain coral, knobbed brain coral, and smooth brain coral. These names are often used for individual species within the genus, but are not universally accepted.
Characteristics
Goniastrea corals are characterized by the following features:
- Massive colonies: The colonies of Goniastrea corals are often massive, dome-shaped, and can reach considerable sizes.
- Granular corallites: The individual polyps (corallites) are typically small and densely packed. The corallites often have a granular surface, giving the coral a knobby or bumpy appearance.
- Coloration: Goniastrea corals can be a variety of colors, including brown, gray, green, and yellow. Some species may have distinct patterns or banding.
- Symbiotic algae: Like most stony corals, Goniastrea species host symbiotic algae called zooxanthellae. These algae provide the coral with food through photosynthesis.
Environments
Goniastrea corals are found in a variety of environments, including:
- Reef flats: They are often abundant on reef flats, where they are exposed to strong sunlight and wave action.
- Reef slopes: Goniastrea corals can also be found on reef slopes, at depths of up to 30 meters.
- Lagoons: Some species may occur in lagoons, where the water is generally calmer.
References
World Register of Marine Species (WoRMS)
Australian Institute of Marine Science (AIMS)