Merulinidae
Merulinidae is a family of stony corals in the order Scleractinia. It includes 11 genera and 40 species, most of which are found in the Indo-Pacific region, though some species are found in the Atlantic Ocean and the Caribbean Sea. These corals are generally characterized by their massive, branching, or foliaceous growth forms, which can be quite large and contribute to the formation of coral reefs. Some species are also known for their unique and colorful appearances.
Common Names
Merulinidae are commonly known as "brain corals," "pillar corals," "mushroom corals," and "foliose corals," although these names are often used more broadly to refer to corals with similar growth forms.
Characteristics
Merulinidae corals exhibit a variety of distinctive features, including:
- Massive or branching growth forms: These corals often grow into large, irregular shapes, with branching colonies in some species.
- Corallites: The individual polyps in Merulinidae corals are typically small and embedded in the coral skeleton, forming corallites.
- Septa: Within the corallites, there are radial plates known as septa, which are often numerous and extend towards the center of the corallite.
- Collaretes: Some species have a distinctive collar-like structure called a collarete around the mouth of the polyp, which is believed to help protect the polyps from predators.
- Symbiotic zooxanthellae: Like many other stony corals, Merulinidae species host symbiotic algae called zooxanthellae within their tissues. These algae provide the corals with food through photosynthesis.
Environments
Merulinidae corals are typically found in shallow, tropical waters with clear, nutrient-rich conditions. They prefer environments with high light intensity and strong water currents. These corals are often found in coral reefs, where they can contribute to the structural complexity and biodiversity of the ecosystem.
References
World Register of Marine Species (WoRMS)
Australian Institute of Marine Science (AIMS)