Rough Cactus Coral
Rough Cactus Coral Detail
| Name: | Rough Cactus Coral |
| Scientific Name: | Mycetophyllia ferox |
| Family: | Mussidae |
| Taxonomic: | Mussinae |
| ID Group: | Corals, Algae |
| Size: | 1 - 2 ft. |
| Depth Range: | On the reef (10 – 60 ft.) |
| Sightings: | Not usually seen |
Rough Cactus Coral forms thick layers that may hang over edges. A ridge around the colony often grows inward and crosses the surface, sometimes making closed dips and making the colony look like a grid. Tiny, round bumps called polyps sit in these dips, sticking out clearly. The ridges and polyps are usually lighter colors, which stand out next to the darker dips in shades of brown, pink, green, gray, or bluish-gray.
This Cactus Coral is often found in shallow to mid-range depths in open areas. Polyps may be partly extended during the day.