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Smooth flower coral

Eusmilia fastigiata

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Fun Facts

This coral's polyps stay closed during the day and open up during nighttime. 

Species Type:

Corals, Invertebrates

Common Name(s):

Smooth flower coral

Size:

Smooth flower coral can grow up to 9.84 inches (25 centimeters) in height.

Diet:

Using the stinging cells in its tentacles, smooth flower coral will catch smaller marine invertebrates that drift by. Coral also have a special algae—called zooxanthellae– in their tissues that photosynthesize the sun's rays into energy/food.

Range & Habitat:

Smooth flower coral is most commonly found on the front, back and edges of patch reefs, and lagoons in the Gulf of Mexico and Caribbean Sea.

Details:

The color of smooth flower coral varies between yellow, brown, gray and blue-green. Its flower-like polyps are larger and spaced out, branching out from a specific point.