How big is the Mushroom coral?

Mushroom coral (Fungia fungites) reaches 5–20 cm in length.

At what depth can you find the Mushroom coral?

Mushroom coral is found between 1–40 m deep.

What is the conservation status of the Mushroom coral?

IUCN status: Near threatened (NT).

Where can you find the Mushroom coral?

Found in: Asian Pacific, Indian Ocean & Red Sea.

Mushroom coral (Fungia fungites)

Key facts

Scientific name: Fungia fungites
Common name: Mushroom coral
Category: Corals
Family: Fungiidae
Genus: Fungia
Size: 5–20 cm
Depth: 1–40 m
IUCN status: Near threatened (NT)
Danger level: Harmless
Habitats: coral-reef, sand
Behaviours: sessile
Ocean zones: Asian Pacific, Indian Ocean & Red Sea

Description

Fungia fungites reaches 20 cm diameter. Solitary coral (one giant polyp) dome or disc-shaped, free on sand (not attached unlike most corals), distinct radial rays from central orifice. Beige, green, pink, purple color depending on symbiotic zooxanthellae. Can slightly move by inflating tissues. Reproduces by budding and fragmentation. Lives from 1 to 40 m on coral reefs of tropical Indo-Pacific. Listed NT by IUCN. Emblematic macro photo subject of sandy coral bottoms.

Photo of Mushroom coral

Frequently asked questions

How big is the Mushroom coral?: Mushroom coral (Fungia fungites) reaches 5–20 cm in length.
At what depth can you find the Mushroom coral?: Mushroom coral is found between 1–40 m deep.
Is the Mushroom coral dangerous to divers?: Danger level: Harmless.
What is the conservation status of the Mushroom coral?: IUCN status: Near threatened (NT).
Where can you find the Mushroom coral?: Found in: Asian Pacific, Indian Ocean & Red Sea.

Similar species

Sources

Taxonomy: WoRMS (AphiaID 207350)
Photos: iNaturalist (CC BY-NC)
Distribution: GBIF (taxonKey 2260627)
Conservation: IUCN Red List
Encyclopedia: Wikipedia