divepix - Knobby Cactus Coral

Knobby Cactus Coral

Aspect:	Thus named due to the studs - or "knobs" - that ornate this species of cactus coral. The species encrusts base surfaces, but can also expand in an overhanging manner. It tends to grow in a less tidy circular manner when it exceeds a diameter of about 30 centimetres and, as some of the pictures herewith show, knobs tend to replace radial ridges in the central area at more important depths.
Population:	Common.
Notable feature:	Like Ridged Cactus Coral (q.v.) this pie-shaped coral plate is surrounded by a ridge, from which more ridges extend radially towards the centre. In some cases the slightly raised corallites can feature very contrasting colours like the bright green over brown in one of the specimens shown below, and at the centre of which the mouths can be clearly seen.
Environment:	Near or at base of rock or coral boulders, starting at 10 metres down to 40 metres.
Behaviour:	-

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