Dipsastraea
A genus of zooxanthellate stony corals from the Indo-Pacific.
Dipsastraea is a genus of stony coral belonging to the family Merulinidae. These corals are found naturally in the Indo-Pacific region and host symbiotic zooxanthellae within their tissues. The following species are currently recognized by the World Register of Marine Species: Dipsastraea albida, Dipsastraea amicorum, Dipsastraea camranensis, Dipsastraea danai, Dipsastraea faviaformis, Dipsastraea favus, Dipsastraea helianthoides, Dipsastraea lacuna, Dipsastraea laddi, Dipsastraea laxa, Dipsastraea lizardensis, Dipsastraea maritima, Dipsastraea marshae, Dipsastraea matthaii, Dipsastraea maxima, Dipsastraea modesta, Dipsastraea pallida, Dipsastraea rosaria, Dipsastraea rotumana, Dipsastraea speciosa, Dipsastraea truncata, Dipsastraea veroni, Dipsastraea vietnamensis, and Dipsastraea wisseli.
Quick Facts
- Taxon
- Dipsastraea
Facts from the source article.
Lore & Background
Dipsastraea is a genus of stony corals classified within the family Merulinidae. The genus is native to the Indo-Pacific region, and its members are zooxanthellate, meaning they host symbiotic algae within their tissues. The World Register of Marine Species currently recognizes 24 species within this genus, including Dipsastraea albida, Dipsastraea amicorum, Dipsastraea favus, and Dipsastraea speciosa, among others. The species were described by various authors such as Veron, Milne Edwards, Dana, and Wells, with dates of description ranging from 1846 to 2013.
Reader's Guide
The significance of Dipsastraea lies in its representation of stony corals within the family Merulinidae, a group that contributes to reef-building in the Indo-Pacific region. As zooxanthellate corals, they play a role in symbiotic relationships with photosynthetic algae, which is a key characteristic of many reef-forming corals. The genus includes a diverse array of species described over more than a century and a half, from 1846 to 2013, reflecting ongoing taxonomic work. The listing of 24 recognized species by the World Register of Marine Species provides a current snapshot of the genus's diversity, though the article does not discuss ecological or conservation status. The legacy of Dipsastraea is primarily taxonomic, as it is one of many genera within Merulinidae that help scientists understand coral biodiversity and evolutionary relationships in the Indo-Pacific.
Did You Know?
- Dipsastraea is a genus of stony corals in the family Merulinidae.
- All members of Dipsastraea are zooxanthellate corals.
- The World Register of Marine Species recognizes 24 species in this genus.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Dipsastraea?
Dipsastraea is a genus of stony (scleractinian) corals that falls under the family Merulinidae. It is a zooxanthellate group, meaning its polyps carry photosynthetic algae within their tissues.
Where are Dipsastraea corals found in the wild?
All recognized Dipsastraea species are native to the Indo-Pacific region, where they grow on reef substrates in tropical and subtropical waters.
How do Dipsastraea corals obtain their energy?
Like other zooxanthellate corals, Dipsastraea relies on a symbiotic partnership with zooxanthellae—single-celled algae living inside its soft tissue. The algae perform photosynthesis and pass sugars to the coral, supplementing the energy the pollops gain by capturing plankton.
How many Dipsastraea species are currently recognized?
The World Register of Marine Species lists 24 valid species within the genus, ranging from D. albida to D. maxima. This makes it one of the more species-rich merulinid genera.
How does Dipsastraea relate to other merulinid corals?
Dipsastraea sits within the family Merulinidae alongside genera such as Favia, Favites, and Helianthoides. While it shares the same broad body plan of massive or bryozoan-like growth forms, its specific polyp and skeletal architecture set it apart as its own genus.
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