Smooth Flower Coral
Smooth Flower Coral, At Night
| Name: | Smooth Flower Coral |
| Scientific Name: | Eusmilia fastigiata |
| Family: | Stony Corals |
| Taxonomic: | Meandrinidae |
| ID Group: | Corals, Algae |
| Size: | up to 2.5 ft. |
| Depth Range: | Various depths (0 – 130 ft.) |
| Sightings: | Seen sometimes |
This Flower Coral forms dome-shaped colonies with round to oval polyps spaced along long stalks. The polyps are connected by translucent tissue, giving the coral a smooth, polished appearance. Its colors range from yellow-brown to brown and gray, sometimes with hints of green.
Smooth Flower Coral opens its long tentacles at night to catch tiny animals drifting in the water. It lives in clean, calm water and is sensitive to pollution and ocean changes, which makes it vulnerable to disease and bleaching.