Galaxy coral (Galaxea fascicularis)
Key facts
- Scientific name
- Galaxea fascicularis
- Common name
- Galaxy coral
- Category
- Corals
- Family
- Euphylliidae
- Genus
- Galaxea
- Size
- 30–500 cm
- Depth
- 2–20 m
- IUCN status
- Near threatened (NT)
- Danger level
- Harmless
- Habitats
- coral-reef
- Behaviours
- sessile, colonial
- Ocean zones
- Asian Pacific, Indian Ocean & Red Sea
Description
Galaxea fascicularis reaches 5 m colony diameter. Hard coral in dome or plate shape with tightly packed tubular corallites (like stars forming galaxy). Polyps with characteristic long white, green or pink translucent tentacles, visible day and night (except under stress). Known for exceptional aggressiveness: long stinging filament tentacles (acontia nematocysts) attacking neighboring corals to conquer space. Lives from 2 to 20 m on Indo-Pacific reefs. Listed NT. Detailed polyp photo subject.
Frequently asked questions
- How big is the Galaxy coral?
- Galaxy coral (Galaxea fascicularis) reaches 30–500 cm in length.
- At what depth can you find the Galaxy coral?
- Galaxy coral is found between 2–20 m deep.
- Is the Galaxy coral dangerous to divers?
- Danger level: Harmless.
- What is the conservation status of the Galaxy coral?
- IUCN status: Near threatened (NT).
- Where can you find the Galaxy coral?
- Found in: Asian Pacific, Indian Ocean & Red Sea.
Other species in the family Euphylliidae
Sources
- Taxonomy: WoRMS (AphiaID 207366)
- Photos: iNaturalist (CC BY-NC)
- Distribution: GBIF (taxonKey 2260570)
- Conservation: IUCN Red List
- Encyclopedia: Wikipedia