Lesser starlet coral [Siderastrea radians]
Description
The Lesser starlet coral is a small polyp stony coral species native to the Atlantic Ocean. It is characterized by its small size, with colonies typically reaching diameters of 10 to 20 cm, and its pale brown to tan coloration. The species is common in shallow waters, especially in lagoonal or back-reef environments. It is nocturnal, with polyps opening at night to feed. The coral has a tolerance for a variety of environmental conditions, including high sedimentation and variable temperature and salinity levels.
Taxonomy
| Phylum |
Jellyfish, Sea Anemones, and Relatives
Cnidaria
|
|---|---|
| Class |
Sea Anemones and Corals
Anthozoa
|
| Order |
Stony Corals
Scleractinia
|
| Family |
Siderastreidae
Siderastreidae
|
| Genus |
Lesser Starlet Coral
Pseudosiderastrea
|