Biology
provided by World Register of Marine Species
zooxanthellate or azooxanthellate
van der Land, J. (ed). (2008). UNESCO-IOC Register of Marine Organisms (URMO).
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Depth range
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0-20 m
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Description
provided by World Register of Marine Species
Sometimes hermatypic. Corals are solitary, free-living, and have a flat base. They have a commensal relationship with a sipunculid worm (Aspidosiphon corallicola). The sipunculid moves the coral about on substrates and prevents it from becoming buried. Polyps are extended only at night. Polyp larvae settle initially on dead micro-molluscs which become embedded in the corallum. Colour: pale brown, often with greenish oral disc. Abundance: always found on soft horizontal substrates at depths of 20 m or more, usually in association with Heteropsammia cochlea and Cycloseris cyclolites. May be very abundant (up to 40 individuals per square metre). (Veron, 1986 )
Wijsman-Best M, Faure G, Pichon M. (1980). Contribution to the knowledge of the stony corals from the Seychelles and Eastern Africa. Revue Zoologique Africaine. 3: 600-627, pls. 9-`12.
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