Umbrella corallimorph (Discosoma nummiforme)
Key facts
- Scientific name
- Discosoma nummiforme
- Common name
- Umbrella corallimorph
- Category
- Cnidarians
- Family
- Discosomidae
- Genus
- Discosoma
- Size
- 3–15 cm
- Depth
- 3–25 m
- IUCN status
- Least concern (LC)
- Danger level
- Harmless
- Habitats
- coral-reef, rocky-reef
- Behaviours
- benthic, colonial
- Ocean zones
- Asian Pacific, Indian Ocean & Red Sea, Mediterranean
Description
Discosoma nummiforme reaches 15 cm diameter. Indo-Pacific and Red Sea corallimorph (Discosomatidae) with flat circular disc body (neither true coral nor true anemone), highly variable colors fluorescent-green, turquoise-blue, purple, orange, brown, with small tentacular papillae scattered on disc instead of true tentacles. Lives from 3 to 25 m on coral and rocky reefs. Forms colonies by asexual reproduction. Hosts zooxanthellae. Very popular in reef aquaristics for colors under LED lighting. Sought-after macro dive photo subject for fluorescent colors under flash.
Photo of Umbrella corallimorph
Frequently asked questions
- How big is the Umbrella corallimorph?
- Umbrella corallimorph (Discosoma nummiforme) reaches 3–15 cm in length.
- At what depth can you find the Umbrella corallimorph?
- Umbrella corallimorph is found between 3–25 m deep.
- Is the Umbrella corallimorph dangerous to divers?
- Danger level: Harmless.
- What is the conservation status of the Umbrella corallimorph?
- IUCN status: Least concern (LC).
- Where can you find the Umbrella corallimorph?
- Found in: Asian Pacific, Indian Ocean & Red Sea, Mediterranean.
Similar species
- Cyanea capillata - Lion's mane jellyfish
- Plumularia setacea - Feathery hydroid
- Cassiopea andromeda - Upside-down jellyfish
- Condylactis gigantea - Giant Caribbean anemone
- Bartholomea annulata - Corkscrew anemone
- Palythoa caribaeorum - Caribbean mat zoanthid
Sources
- Taxonomy: WoRMS (AphiaID 411031)
- Photos: iNaturalist (CC BY-NC)
- Distribution: GBIF (taxonKey 5841789)
- Conservation: IUCN Red List
- Encyclopedia: Wikipedia