DistributionRange:

Bonaire, St. Eustatius

Author:

[Floris Bennema, 2016]

Literature:

• Humann, P., & DeLoach, N. (2013). Reef Coral Identification:  Florida, Caribbean, Bahamas (p 276). Third edition. Jacksonville (FL): New World Publications.
• Coralpedia, your guide to Caribbean Corals and sponges. University of Warwick.
• Hoeksema, B.W. (ed) 2016. Marine biodiversity survey of St. Eustatius, Dutch Caribbean, 2015. Naturalis Biodiversity Center, Leiden, and ANEMOON Foundation, Bennebroek.

Summary:

Circular large and solitary individuals with radiant ridges of the skeleton visible though the fleshy tissue.

ToBeConfusedWith:

Solitary disk coral Scolmya wellsi  and Atlantic mushroom coral Scolmia lacera. These species cannot be distinguished  underwater.

Characteristics:

Size:  Up to 12 cm.
Color:  Colors range from bright green, reds to dull grey.
Shape: Circular to oval, fleshy, with a depression in the center. Radiant ridges of the skeleton visible through the living tissue.

HabitatEnvironmentAndEcology:

Prefers deep reefs and walls but may be found in shallower water.