Ruffled coral

Biology

Corals in this genus have a great variety of growth forms. Most form colonies that have a ruffled plate or fanlike growth formation. But these corals can also develop tall columns resembling a forest from above. These corals also have sweeper tentacles which come out at night to harvest food.

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.