Physogyra
Physogyra is a genus of large, solitary, and reef-building stony corals belonging to the family Fungiidae. These corals are characterized by their unique, undulating, and often convoluted shapes. They are found in the Indo-Pacific region and are an important part of the coral reef ecosystem.
Common Names
Common names for Physogyra corals include:
- Brain coral
- Wavy brain coral
- Sun coral
Characteristics
Physogyra corals are characterized by several distinctive features:
- Shape: They possess a distinctive, undulating, and often convoluted shape with numerous grooves and ridges that resemble a brain.
- Size: They can grow quite large, with some species reaching up to 1 meter in diameter.
- Color: They come in various shades of brown, orange, pink, and green.
- Polyp structure: The polyps are embedded within the coral's skeleton, leaving only their mouths and tentacles exposed.
- Reproduction: Physogyra corals reproduce sexually, releasing sperm and eggs into the water column for fertilization. They also reproduce asexually through fragmentation.
Environments
Physogyra corals are typically found in shallow, clear, and sunlit waters. They prefer protected environments with moderate wave action. They are often found in coral reefs and lagoons.
References
For further information on Physogyra, please refer to the following reliable resources:
- World Register of Marine Species: https://www.marinespecies.org/aphia.php?p=taxdetails&id=206917
- Coral Reef Information Network (CORAL): https://coral.org/coral-reefs-101/coral-identification-guide/fungiidae-mushroom-corals/physogyra-wavy-brain-coral/