Cup Coral [Thecocyathus variabilis]
Description
Thecocyathus variabilis, or the variable cup coral, is a solitary, free-living coral species found in the Pacific Ocean. It has a rounded, cup-like shape and varies in color from pale to dark brown. This species prefers soft substrates and can be found at depths up to 1,500 meters. The variable cup coral feeds on plankton, using its tentacles to capture prey. Its distinguishing feature is its variability in size and shape, hence its name.
Taxonomy
| Phylum |
Jellyfish, Sea Anemones, and Relatives
Cnidaria
|
|---|---|
| Class |
Sea Anemones and Corals
Anthozoa
|
| Order |
Stony Corals
Scleractinia
|
| Family |
Caryophylliidae
Caryophylliidae
|
| Genus |
Thecocyathus
Thecocyathus
|