Lithophyllon
Lithophyllon is a genus of stony corals in the family Fungiidae. These corals are commonly known as “mushroom corals” or “plate corals” due to their distinctive shapes. They are solitary corals, meaning they live independently rather than in colonies, and are characterized by their large, flat, disc-shaped skeletons. These skeletons are often covered in a thin layer of living tissue, giving the coral a fleshy appearance.
Common Names
Lithophyllon corals are commonly known as:
- Mushroom corals
- Plate corals
Characteristics
Lithophyllon corals have several distinguishing characteristics:
- Solitary: They live as individual polyps, not in colonies like many other corals.
- Large, flat skeleton: Their skeletons are typically large and disc-shaped, resembling a mushroom or a plate.
- Thin living tissue: A thin layer of living tissue covers the skeleton, giving the coral a fleshy appearance.
- Oral disc: The mouth is located in the center of the upper surface of the coral, surrounded by tentacles.
- Symbiotic relationship with zooxanthellae: Like many corals, Lithophyllon species have a symbiotic relationship with zooxanthellae, photosynthetic algae that live within their tissues.
Environments
Lithophyllon corals are found in tropical and subtropical waters around the world. They prefer clear, shallow waters with plenty of sunlight, as they rely on their symbiotic zooxanthellae for nutrition. They are often found attached to rocks, coral reefs, and other hard substrates.
References
For more detailed information on Lithophyllon, you can refer to the following reliable sources: