Brain root coral

Biology

The brain root coral form massive colonies in the wild, often more than four meters across. Although this coral is semi-aggressive towards other corals, its colonies are often groupings of multiple individual colonies of this same species. Each individual colony will have its own distinct coloration and texture, making a tapestry of colour and design.

Conservation

Coral reefs around the world are in danger. The major threat to corals is global climate change, high temperatures and ocean acidification. Localized threats to corals include fisheries, invasive species, dynamite fishing, chemical fishing, pollution, sedimentation, and human recreation and tourism activities. This species is a target for collection for the aquarium trade, and this is a threat in some parts of its range.

Curiosities

Healthy polyps can help polyps at risk, transferring nutrients to them, but only those that they recognize as clonemates. One experiment showed that the polyps were able to recognize clones even when they had been separated from them for years.