Ten-ray star coral

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Ten-ray star coral

Madracis decactis

(Lyman, 1859)

Code

287107

Summary

Thin encrusting species with stumpy knobs or short branches. Greenish to brown or gray colored. Ten rays visible per individual.

To be confused with

Other star corals (Madracis species). Ten-ray star coral is usualy darker and the skeletal cup (corallite) is has 10 rays (septa). Encrusted forms can not be visually distinguished from encrusting Star coral Madracis pharensis.

Characteristics

Size: Diameter up to 15 cm.
Colour: Green, Brown or gray
Shape: Encrusting, mostly with potato-like knobs or short branches.

Habitat environment and ecology

Found in a variety of habitats, forms lobes and knobs in open well lit places.

Distribution range

BES-eilanden: Bonaire, St. Eustatius

Author

[Floris Bennema, may 2016]

Literature

- Humann, P., & DeLoach, N. (2013). Reef Coral Identification: Florida, Caribbean, Bahamas (p 276). Third edition. Jacksonville (FL): New World Publications.
- Coralpedia,your guide to Caribbean Corals and sponges. University of Warwick.
- InteractiveGuide to Caribbean Diving. M. De Kluijver, G. Gijswijt, R. de Leon & I. daCunda.