Paragoniastrea

Paragoniastrea is a genus of stony corals in the family Merulinidae. It was described in 2014 by scientists studying the evolutionary history and relationships of corals. This genus currently contains two species: Paragoniastrea australensis and Paragoniastrea quadricorni. The genus name is derived from the Greek words “para” meaning “near” and “gonia” meaning “angle,” referring to the coral’s morphology.

Common Names

There are no widely used common names for corals in this genus. They are generally referred to by their scientific names.

Characteristics

Paragoniastrea corals are characterized by their massive, dome-shaped or columnar growth forms. They are generally found in shallow, reef environments and are known for their complex, branching structures. Like other stony corals, they have a hard, calcium carbonate skeleton that provides structural support. Corals in this genus are colonial, meaning they consist of many individual polyps that live and work together. These polyps have tentacles that are used to capture food and can be extended or retracted for defense.

Environments

Paragoniastrea species are typically found in tropical and subtropical waters in the Indo-Pacific region. They prefer shallow, clear waters with strong sunlight and are often found growing on coral reefs.

References

For more information about Paragoniastrea, please refer to the following sources: