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Montastraea cavernosa
Great star coral
Common Names
IUCN:
Scleractinia
Order:
Montastraeidae
Order:
Distribution
Abundant to common South Florida, Bahamas, Caribbean.
Ecology
Inhibit most reef environments and are often the predominant coral between 40-100 feet. Polyps are generally retracted during the day , but extend prominently at night.
Description
Colonies usually form massive boulders and domes, but ocasionally develop into plates or sheets, especially in deep water. Surface is covered with large distinctive, blister-like corallites. Shades of green, brown, and gray. Ocasionally fluorescence red or orange.
Other photos
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