top of page

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
bottom of page