Brain Coralノウサンゴ

Species Data

Classification

Scleractinia / Merulinidae Source

Size

Colonies grow in dome-shaped or massive forms and can exceed 1 m in diameter

Diet

Filter feeder Relies mainly on photosynthetic products from symbiotic zooxanthellae, and also extends its polyps at night to capture zooplankton

Distribution

Found throughout the Indo-Pacific from Madagascar and East Africa through the Red Sea to Australia, Indonesia, Japan, and the South China Sea, inhabiting reefs from the shallow subtidal zone down to about 30 m. Source

Sources

en.wikipedia.org

Did You Know?

• In territorial disputes with neighboring corals, it extends elongated "sweeper tentacles" up to 90 mm long — roughly 15 times normal length — armed with stinging cells to damage rival tissue. Source
• Its maze-like, valley-patterned skeleton — resembling a brain, hence the common name "brain coral" — is distinguished from closely related species by features such as the shape of its central ridge (columella). Source

Verified individual animals and facilities will be added as official information becomes available.

FAQ

Why does brain coral have a maze-like pattern?

Its skeleton grows in meandering valleys with a central ridge (columella) and toothed walls, creating the brain-like grooved surface that gives the coral its common name. Source

Does brain coral compete with other corals?

Yes. It can grow "sweeper tentacles" up to about 90 mm long — far longer than its normal tentacles — to sting and damage the tissue of encroaching neighboring corals. Source

How does brain coral get its food?

Most of its energy comes from photosynthetic algae living in its tissue, supplemented by plankton captured with its polyps at night. Source

How many operating facilities are registered here?

Operating facilities registered on this site: Japan 0 Source

Books & gear

• Brain Coral book
• binoculars