Green Fungia Plate Coral
Green Fungia Plate Coral
Taxonomy
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Cnidaria
Class: Hexacorallia
Order: Scleractinia
Family: Fungiidae
Genus: Fungia
Habitat & Distribution : Indo-Pacific ocean
Diet : Photosynthesis results from zooxanthellae; plankton; suspended particles; dissolved organic matter
Ukuran: Up to 30 cm
Lifespan: 10 years
Description
The Fungia plate coral is a Large Polyp Stony Coral, meaning that it only consists of one giant polyp instead of numerous small polyps. It has a bright coloration, ranging from white, pink, red, purple, blue, green and yellow. Its disc body is round or oval and the mouth is situated in the middle, surrounded by tentacles. Its singular polyp sits in a calcareous cup, i.e. its corallite, with robust septae and costae.
Behavior
Solitary. Usually attached to a hard substrate as a juvenile, but becomes free living at adulthood. It is able to move freely by inflating and deflating its tissues.
Reproduction
Can reproduce sexually and asexually. Sexually, the corals release planulae and sperm into the water, where fertilization occurs externally. Females release planulae continuously throughout the mating season, males release sperm at certain intervals, and hermaphrodite individuals are able to release both, be it at the same time or with intervals in between. Cross or self fertilization possible. Asexually, it reproduces by budding.
Communication & Perception
Like most corals, they communicate using chemical cues
Predator
Angelfish, butterfly fish, sea stars, sea turtles and sea birds.
Conservation Status : Least Concern (IUCN Red List; 2024)
Fun Fact
Asexual reproduction can be triggered by stress. When undergoing decalcification of the skeleton, a daughter coral bud (anthocauli) can form, a clone of its parent. This new individual will continue to grow on its parent's body until it becomes self-sufficient.