Elliptical star coral (Dichocoenia stokesii)
Key facts
- Scientific name
- Dichocoenia stokesii
- Common name
- Elliptical star coral
- Category
- Corals
- Family
- Meandrinidae
- Genus
- Dichocoenia
- Size
- 10–40 cm
- Depth
- 3–70 m
- IUCN status
- Vulnerable (VU)
- Danger level
- Harmless
- Habitats
- reef
- Behaviours
- sessile, colonial
- Ocean zones
- Caribbean, Eastern Pacific
Description
Dichocoenia stokesii forms rounded dome colonies 10 to 40 cm, yellow-green to beige. Characteristic large elliptical polyps (hence elliptical), each with very visible septa. Common on Caribbean reefs between 3 and 70 m, especially on moderate coral slopes. Sensitive to white-plague disease like many Caribbean hermatypic corals: IUCN Vulnerable. Identifiable shape from its mathematical structure.
Photo of Elliptical star coral
Frequently asked questions
- How big is the Elliptical star coral?
- Elliptical star coral (Dichocoenia stokesii) reaches 10–40 cm in length.
- At what depth can you find the Elliptical star coral?
- Elliptical star coral is found between 3–70 m deep.
- Is the Elliptical star coral dangerous to divers?
- Danger level: Harmless.
- What is the conservation status of the Elliptical star coral?
- IUCN status: Vulnerable (VU).
- Where can you find the Elliptical star coral?
- Found in: Caribbean, Eastern Pacific.
Other species in the family Meandrinidae
Sources
- Taxonomy: WoRMS (AphiaID 289807)
- Photos: iNaturalist (CC BY-NC)
- Distribution: GBIF (taxonKey 5784766)
- Conservation: IUCN Red List
- Encyclopedia: Wikipedia