Goniastrea retiformis
A common, zooxanthellate coral of Indo-Pacific shallow reefs.
Goniastrea retiformis is a species of stony coral in the family Merulinidae, native to shallow water in the Indo-Pacific region. It is notable for its massive colonies, which can be domed, flat, or columnar, and for its small deep calices.
Quick Facts
- Taxon
- Goniastrea retiformis
Facts from the source article.
Lore & Background
Goniastrea retiformis forms massive colonies that may be domed, flat, or columnar, reaching up to 50 centimetres in diameter and 1 metre in height. Its corallites are recessed and four to six sided, with small deep calices typically 3–4 millimetres across. The basic color is cream or pale brown, but it may also be brown, pink, or green. This species is quite common and occurs on reef slopes, especially in shallow waters, across the Indo-West Pacific, the Red Sea, the Indian Ocean, and the Australian coast. It is a zooxanthellate coral, obtaining most of its nutritional needs from symbiotic dinoflagellates that provide organic carbon and nitrogen, sometimes up to 90% of its energy needs for metabolism and growth. Its remaining needs are met by planktonic organisms caught by the tentacles of its polyps.
Reader's Guide
Goniastrea retiformis is a common species with a wide range and large total population size, making it more resilient than some coral species. Its significance lies in its role as a zooxanthellate coral, relying heavily on symbiotic dinoflagellates for energy, which underscores the importance of healthy reef ecosystems. The main threats it faces are related to mechanical destruction of coral reef habitats and climate change, including increasing damage from extreme weather events, rising sea water temperatures, and ocean acidification. The International Union for Conservation of Nature has assessed its conservation status as of 'least concern', and all corals, including this species, receive protection by being listed on CITES Appendix II. Its presence across a broad geographic range from the Red Sea to the Australian coast highlights its adaptability to shallow reef slopes, though it remains vulnerable to the same global pressures affecting coral reefs worldwide.
Did You Know?
- Its calices are small and deep, typically 3–4 millimetres in diameter.
- This species obtains up to 90% of its energy needs from symbiotic dinoflagellates.
- It is listed on CITES Appendix II, providing protection to all corals.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Goniastrea retiformis?
Goniastrea retiformis is a stony coral in the family Merulinidae, native to the shallow waters of the Indo-Pacific. It is recognized for building large, massive colonies that can appear domed, flat, or columnar in shape.
What do Goniastrea retiformis colonies look like?
These corals typically show cream, pale brown, brown, pink, or green coloration across their surfaces. Their individual corallites are quite small—only 3 to 4 millimetres wide—and have a four- to six-sided outline with notably deep calices.
How big can Goniastrea retiformis grow?
A mature colony can reach roughly 50 centimetres in diameter and stand up to one metre tall. That makes it a fairly substantial reef-builder within its native range.
Where does Goniastrea retiformis live?
This species is a common inhabitant of shallow reef environments throughout the Indo-Pacific. It is a zooxanthellate coral, relying on symbiotic algae for energy in its sunlit, shallow-water habitat.
Is Goniastrea retiformis endangered?
No—its current conservation status is listed as Least Concern. It remains a widespread and common coral across Indo-Pacific shallow reefs, so it is not considered at significant risk of population decline.
More in Brain and Merulinid Corals 1-24
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