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Massive starlet coral

Siderastrea siderea

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Fun Facts

This coral species prefers to inhabit shallow, clear water.

Species Type:

Corals, Invertebrates

Common Name(s):

Massive starlet coral

Size:

This coral can grow up to 6.6 feet (2 meters) wide.

Diet:

Massive starlet coral have a special algae, called zooxanthellae, in their tissues that photosynthesize the sun's energy into food.

Range & Habitat:

Throughout the Gulf of Mexico, Caribbean Sea and the western Atlantic Ocean, massive starlet corals live in reef communities. They struggle to survive in unclean, silty or muddy waters.

Details:

Massive starlet corals are groups of reddish-brown polyps, taking the shape of boulders or low-lying domes.