Image: http://www.sciencewithoutborders.org/hogstys-new-reef-recruits/

Classification:

Phylum: Cnidaria
Class: Anthozoa
Scientific Name: Montastraea annularis
Common Name: Boulder Star Coral

General Characteristics:

The Boulder Star Coral is a type of colony-forming coral composed of many small polyps. Each polyp contains numerous tentacles that sweep food into a central mouth. Living colonies of Boulder Star Corals are usually golden brown to tan. Like many other coral species, the Boulder Star Coral has formed a symbiotic relationship with zooxanthellae in order to obtain nutrients through photosynthesis. In 1994, it was realized that the difference in appearance of Boulder Star Corals was due to the fact that there are three distinct species.

Habitat:

Boulder Star Corals live in the Caribbean, Gulf of Mexico, Florida, Bahamas, and Bermuda. It is found from 0.5-82m below the surface. Like other coral species, the Boulder Star Coral requires warm water temperatures and light for their symbiotic zooxanthellae.

Importance to Humans:

Boulder Star Coral is one of the main species of coral responsible for reef building and is now endangered.  Numerous conservation efforts and studies are being conducted in order to attempt to better understand the importance of Boulder Star Coral and other similar species to their surrounding ecosystem.

Sources:

"Boulder Star Coral". Arkive.org. Retrieved from: http://www.arkive.org/boulder-star-coral/montastraea-annularis/