Turbinaria Coral (Scroll Coral, Cup Coral, or Pagoda Coral)
- Common Name: Turbinaria Coral
- Scientific Name: Turbinaria spp.
- Family: Dendrophylliidae
Description: Turbinaria corals exhibit unique growth patterns, forming scroll-like, cup-shaped, or plate-like structures. Their surfaces are covered with numerous polyps that extend to capture food from the water. These corals come in various colors, including yellow, brown, green, and sometimes blue.
Evolutionary Background: Belonging to the family Dendrophylliidae, Turbinaria corals have adapted to different niches within reef ecosystems. They can be found on shallow reef tops as well as deeper reef slopes. Their growth forms, which range from encrusting to upright plates, allow them to thrive under varying flow conditions and light availability. The genus Turbinaria has a wide distribution in the Indo-Pacific region, contributing significantly to the structural complexity and biodiversity of coral reefs.
Distinguishing Features:
- Shape: Scroll-like, cup-shaped, or plate-like structures.
- Surface: Covered with small, closely spaced polyps.
- Color: Varies, including shades of yellow, brown, green, and blue.
Turbinaria corals are hardy and are popular among marine aquarium enthusiasts due to their unique shapes and vibrant colors. They play a crucial role in reef building and provide habitat for various marine organisms.