Mushroom corals

Rights Managed

SS2126235

SB3466

Mushroom corals (Fungia sp.) on the seabed. This is one of the largest coral polyps, reaching 18 centimeters in diameter. It is unusual in that it does not form colonies, but lives as a solitary polyp. It is a suspension feeder, and cilia carry food particles to its central mouth. It is not sessile like most corals, and can move by inflating and deflating its body tissues. Photographed in the Andaman Sea, Thailand.

Georgette Douwma / Science Source

spl001_hd