Stony Coral
Scientific name: Plesiastrea versipora
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Stony coral, Plesiastrea versipora
Image: MDC Seamarc Maldives
© CC BY SA
© CC BY SA
Fast Facts
-
Classification
- Genus
- Plesiastrea
- Species
- versipora
- Family
- Faviidae
- Order
- Scleractinia
- Subclass
- Hexacorallia
- Class
- Anthozoa
- Phylum
- Cnidaria
- Kingdom
- Animalia
-
- Size Range
- 3 m
Introduction
Few stony corals grow around Sydney but of these, Plesiastrea versipora is most often noticed by divers.
Identification
This stony coral is usually a vivid green, or sometimes brown, colour with large circular pits in which the coral polyps live. The colouration is due to symbiotic algae, called zooxanthellae, living in the coral tissue. The algae photosynthesise, converting sunlight into energy that can be used by the coral.
Habitat
Stony corals live in coastal waters.
Distribution
Indo-Pacific region and southern parts of Australia.
Distribution data sourced from the Atlas of Living Australia
