Description
Mushroom Coral (Genus Fungia) is a species of Fungia coral which are solitary coral polyp. This hard coral species has a disc/ball shaped appearance and is easy to identify when snorkeling. The mouth of the coral is at the centre, and the body has a grooved, ridged complexion. Its colouration can vary from yellow, brown, green, and pink, and the coral is usually found in shallow coral reefs on the sea bed. Mushroom coral is found in tropical, coral reef ecosystems in the Indo-Pacific region.
Habitat
This species of Fungai coral is found in shallow tropical waters, specifically coral reef ecosystems, in the Indo-Pacific region.
Diet
Mushroom coral has a symbiotic relationship with zooxanthellae algae, which lives in the tissues of the coral and provides nutrients from photosynthesis. The coral also captures small prey in the water column using its tentacles.
Appearance
The Mushroom Coral has a disc, ball shaped appearance, with a distinctive grooved, ridged body.
Key Features
- Disc, ball shaped form
- Ridges and grooved appearance
- Yellow, Brown, Blue, Green, and Pink colouration
Threats
IUCN Conservation Status: Near Threatened
Frequently Asked Questions
This species of Fungai coral is found in shallow tropical waters, specifically coral reef ecosystems, in the Indo-Pacific region.
The coral has a symbiotic relationship with zooxanthellae algae, which lives in the tissues of the coral and provides nutrients from photosynthesis. The coral also captures small prey in the water column using its tentacles.
