Sarcophyton sp.
Identification
Variable forms and colors, usually mushroom-, funnel- or cup-shaped with folded margins and long (feeding) polyps. With the large, feeding polyps retracted, it gets a smooth, leathery appearance.
Status
Unassessed by the IUCN Red list, but a widespread coral species in tropical waters.
Habitat
It can be found in the Red Sea, the Indian Ocean and the (Indo-) Pacific in water with some current.
Reproduction
Asexual reproduction.
Size
Up to 50cm. in diameter.
Prey / Predation
This coral gets energy through photosynthesis from its symbiotic algae – zooxanthellae, as well as sift out nutrients from the water.
Special features
This genus currently holds 67 identified species.
