Ten-Ray Star Coral
Ten-Ray Star Coral, Corallite Detail
| Name: | Ten-Ray Star Coral |
| Scientific Name: | Madracis decactis |
| Family: | Star Corals |
| Taxonomic: | Pocilloporidae |
| ID Group: | Corals, Algae |
| Size: | 4 - 39 in. |
| Depth Range: | Various depths (0 – 130 ft.) |
| Sightings: | Seen often |
The Ten-Ray Star Coral grows in small mounds or thin, flat patches. Its surface is covered with tiny, raised corallites that have ten rays inside. Its color can be green, violet-brown, yellow-brown, tan, or gray.
The Ten-Ray Star Coral lives in many different habitats, from shallow water to the deep reef. It forms knob-like shapes in bright spots but grows flatter in shaded places like ledges or walls. Each colony has both male and female parts. Instead of releasing eggs and sperm into the water like many other corals, it gives off fully developed larvae.