Starflower Coral

Overview

The Starflower Coral (Astreopora myriophthalma) is a widespread and common species of hard coral found throughout the tropical Indian and Pacific Oceans. It is a colonial, reef-building organism that typically forms massive, boulder-shaped, or hemispherical colonies, though it can occasionally appear as plates or encrusting growths.

Distribution & habitat

This species is found across a broad range in the Indo-Pacific, including the Red Sea, East Africa, Indonesia, northern Australia, Japan, and various Pacific island groups. It thrives in a variety of reef environments, generally avoiding areas with high turbidity, and is typically found in shallow waters.

Appearance

Colonies are characterized by their even surface and evenly spaced, conical corallites, which feature circular, upright, or outwardly directed openings. The surface of the coral often displays small, outward-pointing papillae. Its coloration is variable, ranging from cream and yellow to brownish-blue, and may appear as a solid color or with a mottled pattern.

Biology & behavior

Like many reef-building corals, Astreopora myriophthalma maintains a symbiotic relationship with photosynthetic zooxanthellae, which provide a significant portion of its nutritional needs. It is also a mixotroph, capable of supplementing its energy intake by capturing zooplankton with its polyps. The species is hermaphroditic, possessing both male and female reproductive organs.