Plesiastrea
Plesiastrea is a genus of stony corals in the family Merulinidae. They are commonly known as plate corals due to their flattened, plate-like growth form. These corals are found in the Indo-Pacific region, including the Red Sea, the Indian Ocean, and the western Pacific Ocean. They are characterized by their distinctive skeletal structure, which consists of a series of interconnected plates or lamellae. This structure gives the coral a distinctive appearance, resembling a series of stacked plates.
Characteristics
Plesiastrea corals are typically massive, encrusting, or branching in their growth form. They can vary in size from small colonies to large, sprawling structures. The polyps of Plesiastrea are small and have a distinctive arrangement of tentacles. They are typically brownish-gray in color, although they can sometimes be pale or even whitish. The skeletal structure of Plesiastrea is composed of aragonite, a form of calcium carbonate. This structure is characterized by its intricate network of plates or lamellae, which are interconnected by small, vertical columns.
Environments
Plesiastrea corals prefer shallow, clear water environments. They are typically found in reef environments, particularly on the outer reef slopes and in lagoon areas. These corals are tolerant of a wide range of environmental conditions, including fluctuating salinity and temperatures. They are also known to be relatively resistant to disease and other threats.
References
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