Name: Galaxy coral
Scientific Name: Galaxea fascicularis (Linnaeus, 1767)
Family: Oculinidae
Group: Anemones, corals and jellyfish
Class: Invertebrates
Size: 11-25 cm.
Galaxy corals are famous for their enormous colonies, often superseding 5 meters! During the day the polyps are projected outwards and their white extremities are clearly visible. This is the reason, along the fact that it is mostly a dark coral, why this species adopted the name ‘Galaxy'. It is common along the reef, particularly in areas sheltered from the destructive action of waves. In these areas it will grow to be the dominant species. Some research strongly suggests that this species displays cito-toxic and an anti-cancer capacity in its mucous.
Photo by:
www.reefforum.net
Living coral reef
