Mussismilia
Mussismilia is a genus of stony corals in the family Mussidae. These corals are typically found in the tropical western Atlantic Ocean, with some species ranging as far south as Brazil. They are known for their distinctive, massive, dome-shaped colonies, which can be quite large. Mussismilia corals are important reef-building species, contributing significantly to the structure and biodiversity of their habitats.
Common Names
Common names for Mussismilia corals include:
- Brain coral
- Star coral
- Massive coral
Characteristics
Mussismilia corals share several key characteristics:
- Colonial: They form colonies of individual polyps, each with a calcium carbonate skeleton.
- Massive: Colonies are typically large and dome-shaped, sometimes reaching several meters in diameter.
- Grooved: The surface of the coral is often covered in grooves and ridges, giving it a brain-like appearance.
- Zooxanthellate: They have a symbiotic relationship with photosynthetic algae called zooxanthellae, which provide them with energy.
- Corallivorous: Some species, like Mussismilia hispida, are known to feed on other corals.
Environments
Mussismilia corals are found in a variety of environments, including:
- Reefs: They are common on both shallow and deep reefs, playing a crucial role in reef formation and structure.
- Lagoons: They can tolerate a wider range of salinity than some other corals, allowing them to thrive in lagoons.
- Rocky Substrates: They are often found attached to rocky substrates, where they can form extensive colonies.
References
For more information on Mussismilia corals, refer to these reliable sources: