Doughnut coral

Acanthophyllia deshayesiana

Taxonomy

Kingdom: Animalia 

Phylum: Cnidaria 

Class: Hexacorallia

Order: Scleractinia

Family: Lobophylliidae

Genus:Acanthophyllia

Habitat & Distribution :  Indo-Pacific Ocean

Diet : Photosynthesis from zooxanthellae & plankton

Size: Up to 30 cm

Lifespan: 20 - 40 years

Description

Fleshy, circular polyps, known for their vibrant red/green fluorescence, they can grow up to 30 cm

Reproduction

They are mainly asexual and reproduce by budding but are also able to reproduce sexually

Communication & Perception

Like most corals, they communicate using chemical cues 

Predators

Angelfish, butterfly fish, sea snails, sea stars