How big is the Great star coral?

Great star coral (Montastraea cavernosa) reaches 30–300 cm in length.

At what depth can you find the Great star coral?

Great star coral is found between 1–95 m deep.

What is the conservation status of the Great star coral?

IUCN status: Least concern (LC).

Where can you find the Great star coral?

Found in: Caribbean, Eastern Pacific.

Great star coral (Montastraea cavernosa)

Key facts

Scientific name: Montastraea cavernosa
Common name: Great star coral
Category: Corals
Family: Montastraeidae
Genus: Montastraea
Size: 30–300 cm
Depth: 1–95 m
IUCN status: Least concern (LC)
Danger level: Harmless
Habitats: reef
Behaviours: sessile, colonial
Ocean zones: Caribbean, Eastern Pacific

Description

Montastraea cavernosa forms massive boulder or extended plate colonies, with broad polyps (up to 1 cm) in visible star shapes giving a pitted look. Variable colors: brown, green, orange, red-purple. Major Caribbean reef builder, colonies can reach 3 m across and several centuries old. Polyps often extended during the day (unlike most corals). From 1 to 95 m.

Photo of Great star coral

Frequently asked questions

How big is the Great star coral?: Great star coral (Montastraea cavernosa) reaches 30–300 cm in length.
At what depth can you find the Great star coral?: Great star coral is found between 1–95 m deep.
Is the Great star coral dangerous to divers?: Danger level: Harmless.
What is the conservation status of the Great star coral?: IUCN status: Least concern (LC).
Where can you find the Great star coral?: Found in: Caribbean, Eastern Pacific.

Similar species

Sources

Taxonomy: WoRMS (AphiaID 287962)
Photos: iNaturalist (CC BY-NC)
Distribution: GBIF (taxonKey 2260050)
Conservation: IUCN Red List
Encyclopedia: Wikipedia