Boulder Star Coral [Orbicella franksi]
Description
This species is found in the Caribbean Sea and is known for its large polyps and boulder-like appearance. They are usually found in shallow waters and have a brown or yellowish color due to the presence of symbiotic algae in their tissues. They feed on small marine organisms and also obtain nutrients from the photosynthetic algae.
Taxonomy
| Phylum |
Sponges
Porifera
|
|---|---|
| Class |
Hexactinellida
Hexactinellida
|
| Order |
Hexactinosida
Hexactinosida
|
| Family |
Glass Rope Sponges
Hyalonematidae
|
| Genus |
Dome Sponges
Compsocalyx
|