Description
Cauliflower Coral (Pocillopora Damicornis) is a species of stoney coral and known for its branching heads representing the shape of cauliflower. This coral is usually found in shallow coral reef ecosystems, in sub-tropical and tropical waters in the Indo-Pacific region.
Habitat
This species of Fungai coral is found in shallow tropical and sub-tropical waters in the Indo-Pacific region. This coral is adaptable and can be found growing on rock faces, coral reefs, and areas with high sediment.
Diet
Cauliflower coral feeds on microscopic plankton it captures in the water column using its tentacles. Like most corals, it has a symbiotic relationship with zooxanthellae algae, which lives in the tissues of the coral and provides nutrients from photosynthesis.
Appearance
The Cauliflower Coral has a branch structure with branch heads, and visually sharing similarities to the cauliflower vegetable. The coral also has small polyps that cover the exterior skeleton.
Key Features
- Individual branches with varying shapes.
- Small polyps cover the skeleton creating an uneven surface
- Yellow, Brown, Blue, Green, and Pink colouration
Threats
IUCN Conservation Status: Least Concerned
Frequently Asked Questions
This species of Fungai coral is found in shallow tropical and sub-tropical waters in the Indo-Pacific region. This coral is adaptable and can be found growing on rock faces, coral reefs, and areas with high sediment.
Cauliflower coral feeds on microscopic plankton it captures in the water column using its tentacles. Like most corals, it has a symbiotic relationship with zooxanthellae algae, which lives in the tissues of the coral and provides nutrients from photosynthesis.
