There has been no research conducted on the communication and perception in D. labyrinthiformis. Many corals capture food with expanded tentacles suggesting a tactile response to the environment.
Perception Channels: tactile ; chemical
Diploria labyrinthiformis is listed as least concern on the IUCN Red List.
US Federal List: no special status
CITES: no special status
State of Michigan List: no special status
IUCN Red List of Threatened Species: least concern
Grooved brain coral has a broadcaster mode of development. Diploria labyrinthiformis is fertilized internally and then releases eggs into the ocean. The eggs hatch into swimming planktonic planulae larvae, which settle on an appropriate substrate, where asexual reproduction begins. Secondary polyps are formed, which develop to adult polyps. This species can grow at a rate of 3.5 millimeters per year.
Development - Life Cycle: metamorphosis
There are no known negative impacts of this species.
Grooved brain coral helps to make up the coral reefs that serve as diving attractions.
Positive Impacts: ecotourism
Giant brain coral serves as homes for other organisms. Grazing by Diadema antillarum, the long-spined urchin, may benefit D. labyrinthiformis by reducing macroalgal growths. Zooxanthellate algae live within the cells of D. labyrinthiformis. The single-celled algae receives protection and feeds on coral waste, while the coral receives nutrients and energy from the algae.
Ecosystem Impact: creates habitat
Mutualist Species:
Diploria labyrinthiformis depends primarily on suspension feeding of small marine invertebrates. This coral also has zooxanthellate algae. The symbiotic algae photosynthesize and supply the coral with nutrients and energy for calcification and growth.
Animal Foods: aquatic or marine worms; aquatic crustaceans; other marine invertebrates; zooplankton
Other Foods: microbes
Primary Diet: carnivore (Eats other marine invertebrates)
Grooved brain coral, Diploria labyrinthiformis, grows in the Caribbean, Bahamas, southern Florida, and Bermuda. This species tends to grow on less solid and loose substrates of the ocean floor.
Biogeographic Regions: atlantic ocean (Native )
Grooved brain coral is in the order Scleractinia, stony corals. The optimum temperature for adult Scleractinia coral is between 25 and 29 degrees Celcius; the absolute minimal temperature is 18 degrees Celcius. Because it has a single-celled symbiotic algae within its cells, grooved brain coral needs to be at depths where light can penetrate the water. As a result, this species has a depth limit of approximately 50 meters. Diploria labyrinthiformis grows throughout the year around Bermuda and in other areas off the Carribean. This coral can live in high areas of sediments. Members of the genus Diploria are found in high abundance on Bermuda's reefs when compared to other corals. This high abundance is due to the fact that genus Diploria has lower juvenile mortality rates than other coral groups.
Range depth: 50 (high) m.
Habitat Regions: tropical ; saltwater or marine
Aquatic Biomes: reef
The lifespan of D. labyrinthiformis is unknown. However, members of the genus Diploria are found in high abundance on Bermuda's reefs when compared to other corals. This high abundance is due to the fact that genus Diploria has lower juvenile mortality rates than other coral groups.
Diploria labyrinthiformis has very distinct valleys that contain polyps, and deeper grooves beneath the ridges. The valleys are 5-10 mm wide, up to 6 mm deep and u-shaped in a cross section. The ridges are wider than valleys, up to 15 mm, and have a concave profile with edges 2-4 mm higher than the rest of the ridge. Right angles of the plates, or septa, make it look like there are double combs in the valleys. Crests, or costae, of the septa form across the valley walls. Grooved brain coral tends to grow to longer lengths when inhabiting shallow waters. Colonies of D. labyrinthiformis can be one to two meters in diameter. Grooved brain coral can be a variety of colors including tans, yellows, and grays.
Range length: 2 (high) m.
Other Physical Features: ectothermic ; heterothermic ; radial symmetry
Common coral predators include gastropods, polychaetes, echinoids, asteroids, pycnogonids, and fishes, such as parrotfish.
Known Predators:
Grooved brain coral is hermaphroditic, with an annual gametogenic cycle with a 10-11 month period for gonad (sex organ) development. The typical spawning season of grooved brain coral is from late May to late June. Spawning likely begins for this species as a result of environmental cues such as high air temperature, low number of solar hours per month, low wind velocity, and initiation of the rainy season.
Grooved brain coral has an average of four mature eggs and six spermatic cysts per fertile mesentery. Eggs and spermatic cysts are located towards the aboral (opposite the mouth) part of the mesentery.
Breeding season: The breeding season is from late May to late June.
Key Reproductive Features: seasonal breeding ; sexual ; asexual ; fertilization (Internal ); oviparous
There has been no known parental care for D. labyrinthiformis. Eggs are released after they are fertilized.
Parental Investment: no parental involvement; pre-fertilization (Protecting: Female)
