WHATSTHATFISH
Corals & anemones

Intestinal Coral

Lobophyllia recta

Also known as: Bowel Coral, Brain Coral, Closed Brain Coral, Dented Brain Coral, Lobed Brain Coral, Meat Coral, Pacific Cactus Coral, Rectal Coral, Sinuous Cup Coral, Wrinkle Coral

LCLeast ConcernIUCN Red List, 2024
Adult
@fishx6 · Gangehi, Maldives · April 20081 / 1
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Overview

Found over upper reef slopes of fringing reefs. Most colonies are domed in shape although sometimes can be flat. Varies in colour.

Stony corals have hard stony skeletons, their polyps have six tentacles or are made up of multiples of six. These are usually nocturnal, however if the sky's are overcast, then many will feed during the day.
Generally the more robust corals life on exposed areas, while the smaller corals live in sheltered lagoons or deeper waters.
Stony corals are reef building corals and embedded in their flesh are thousands of minute single-celled marine plants called zooxanthellae which accounts for their colour.
These corals support a huge diversity of life, their main predator being the crown-of-thorns sea star.

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How to identify

Body shape
brain

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Habitat & where to find it

  • Range · Indo-Pacific
  • Country only · 1
LIVES IN

Found over upper reef slopes of fringing reefs.

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Adult photos 1

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Discussion

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    Taxonomy

    1. familyMussidae
    2. genusLobophyllia
    3. speciesLobophyllia recta (Dana, 1846)

    SourcesWoRMSCorals of the World