Bubble Coral [Plerogyra sinuosa]
Description
Bubble Coral, or Plerogyra sinuosa, are large, round, and have a bubbly appearance. They are usually found in shaded areas like caves and overhangs, away from strong light and water movement. During the day, the bubbles are inflated to maximum size to aid in photosynthesis of their symbiotic algae. At night, they deflate and long, flowing tentacles emerge for feeding.
Taxonomy
| Phylum |
Jellyfish, Sea Anemones, and Relatives
Cnidaria
|
|---|---|
| Class |
Sea Anemones and Corals
Anthozoa
|
| Order |
Stony Corals
Scleractinia
|
| Family |
Mussidae
Mussidae
|
| Genus |
Bubble Corals
Physogyra
|