Cup Corals [Scolymia]
Description
Scolymia, or cup corals, is a genus of stony corals that are solitary, forming neither colonies nor reefs. Found in the Caribbean Sea and adjacent Atlantic waters, these corals prefer deeper and more turbid environments than many of their Mussidae relatives. Scolymia species are known for their large, circular polyps that resemble cups or bowls. They exhibit a wide range of vibrant colors and patterns, making them popular in the marine aquarium trade. Despite their solitary nature, they play a role in the biodiversity of their habitats by serving as a substrate for various marine organisms.
Species

Yellow Cup Coral [Tubastraea aurea]
View DetailsTaxonomy
Phylum |
Jellyfish, Sea Anemones, and Relatives
Cnidaria
|
---|---|
Class |
Sea Anemones and Corals
Anthozoa
|
Order |
Stony Corals
Scleractinia
|
Family |
Mussidae
Mussidae
|
Statistics
- Species 1