Head Coral

Overview

Dipsastraea favus is a common species of stony coral belonging to the family Merulinidae. Often found in the Indo-Pacific region and the Red Sea, this coral is known for its massive, rounded, or flattened growth forms.

Appearance

This species typically features conical corallites with widely spaced, slightly irregular septa. Its coloration is highly variable and often mottled, frequently displaying pale calices. While colonies can grow quite large, they are easily confused with other members of the genus and related groups like Favites, which generally have polyps located in small depressions rather than the slightly raised, conical structures seen in D. favus.

Biology & Behavior

Dipsastraea favus exhibits distinct diurnal behavior, with its polyps remaining retracted during the day and extending at night. These polyps, which reach approximately 5–10 mm in length, are equipped with tentacles featuring knob-like spheres known as acrospheres. These structures are densely packed with stinging cells (nematocytes) used for prey capture. When extended, these tentacles create a unique hydrodynamic "canopy" effect, which slows water flow and enhances the coral's ability to capture nutrients and prey from the surrounding water column.

Distribution & Habitat

This coral is widely distributed throughout the tropical Indo-Pacific and the Red Sea. It is frequently encountered in reef environments and may serve as a dominant species on reef back margins, thriving in various shallow-water zones.