Blushing Star Coral [Stephanocoenia intersepta]
Description
Blushing star coral is a small polyp stony (SPS) coral species found in the western Atlantic Ocean. Its colonies are typically hemispherical and can reach up to 30 cm in diameter. The polyps retract during the day and extend at night to feed. It is characterized by its pinkish or reddish-brown coloration, which gives the coral its common name 'blushing'. This species can be found in a variety of reef environments but is most commonly found in shallow waters.
Taxonomy
| Phylum |
Jellyfish, Sea Anemones, and Relatives
Cnidaria
|
|---|---|
| Class |
Sea Anemones and Corals
Anthozoa
|
| Order |
Stony Corals
Scleractinia
|
| Family |
Astrocoeniidae
Astrocoeniidae
|
| Genus |
Stephanocoenia
Stephanocoenia
|