Pearl Bubble Coral [Physogyra lichtensteini]
Description
Pearl Bubble Coral, or Physogyra lichtensteini, is recognized by its small, densely packed bubbles. It prefers low light and moderate water movement. Similar to Plerogyra sinuosa, the bubbles are inflated during the day for photosynthesis and deflate at night when tentacles emerge for feeding. The pearl-like appearance of its bubbles gives it its common name.
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
|