Dichocoenia stellaris
| Dichocoenia stellaris | |
|---|---|
| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Cnidaria |
| Class: | Anthozoa |
| Order: | Scleractinia |
| Family: | Meandrinidae |
| Genus: | Dichocoenia |
| Species: | D. stellaris |
| Binomial name | |
| Dichocoenia stellaris Milne Edwards & Haime [1] | |
Dichocoenia stellaris, commonly known as pancake star coral, is a species of stony coral in the family Meandrinidae. It is found in the West Indies and the Bahamas. Its form is a flat, platform-like structure and it is usually found in deeper water than the closely related pineapple coral (Dichocoenia stokesi). Some authorities consider these to be the same species [2] while other authorities regard them as distinct.[1]
Description
Dichocoenia stellaris is a massive colonial coral that forms thick plates. The corallites, the stony cups that support the coral polyps, are round or slightly elongated and seldom Y-shaped, a fact that distinguishes this species from Dichocoenia stokesi which has very irregular corallites. The colour is usuarly green, olive or brown.[3]
Distribution and habitat
Dichocoenia stellaris occurs in the Bahamas, Bonaire, Puerto Rico and Jamaica,[3] the Caribbean Sea, Gulf of Mexico and southern Florida.[4] It grows at depths ranging from 2 to 72 metres (6 to 236 feet). The corallites are larger and more prominent in individuals growing at greater depths.[3]
References
- 1 2 van der Land, Jacob (2012). "Dichocoenia stellaris Milne Edwards & Haime, 1848". World Register of Marine Species. Retrieved 2012-11-13.
- ↑ "Elliptical star coral (Dichocoenia stokesi)". Interactive Guide to Caribbean Diving. Marine Species Identification Portal. Retrieved 2012-11-13.
- 1 2 3 Colin, Patrick L. (1978). Marine Invertebrates and Plants of the Living Reef. T.F.H. Publications. p. 267. ISBN 0-86622-875-6.
- ↑ Aronson, R.; Bruckner, A.; Moore, J.; Precht, B.; Weil, E. (2008). "Dichocoenia stellaris". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Version 2012.2. Retrieved 2012-11-13.
