Cycloseris curvata

Classification (WoRMS)

Full classification as recorded by WoRMS: Kingdom: Animalia · Phylum: Cnidaria · Class: Hexacorallia · Order: Scleractinia · Family: Fungiidae · Genus: Cycloseris.

Accepted name: Cycloseris curvata · Authority: (Hoeksema, 1989) · Taxonomic status: accepted · AphiaID: 716444.

Synonyms and superseded combinations recorded for this taxon: Cycloseris elegans (Verrill, 1870); Fungia (Cycloseris) curvata Hoeksema, 1989; Fungia curvata Hoeksema, 1989; Fungia elegans Verrill, 1870.

Source: World Register of Marine Species (WoRMS) — https://www.marinespecies.org/aphia.php?p=taxdetails&id=716444 (CC BY 4.0). Accessed 2026-09-25.

Biology and life history (SeaLifeBase)

Measured values published by SeaLifeBase for Cycloseris curvata. Only fields the database actually holds for this species are shown; these are database values, not aquarium guidance.

Depth range: 0–30 m · Habitat zone: reef-associated.

Source: SeaLifeBase species summary (SpecCode 105367) — https://www.sealifebase.se/summary/Cycloseris-curvata.html (CC BY-NC 3.0 — non-commercial use only). Accessed 2026-09-25.

Distribution and occurrence records (GBIF)

106 georeferenced occurrence records for Cycloseris curvata are published through GBIF from 8 countries or marine areas. The map above plots 26 distinct locations from a sample of 106 records, omitting 6 inland records that carry an institution's coordinates rather than a collection site; it shows where the species has been observed and reported, not a modelled range.

Most records by country or area: Mexico (92); Ecuador (4); Panama (3); Costa Rica (2); Japan (2); Colombia (1); Philippines (1); Virgin Islands (U.S.) (1).

Marine regions with a valid WoRMS distribution record: Indo-Pacific; La Paz.

Source: GBIF Occurrence Search (taxonKey 4879173) — https://www.gbif.org/occurrence/search?taxon_key=4879173&has_coordinate=true (records CC0 / CC BY); WoRMS distribution records (MarineRegions) — https://www.marinespecies.org/aphia.php?p=taxdetails&id=716444 (CC BY 4.0); Natural Earth 110m basemap — https://www.naturalearthdata.com/ (public domain). Accessed 2026-09-25.

Conservation status (IUCN Red List)

The IUCN Red List assesses Cycloseris curvata (Hoeksema, 1989) as Least Concern (code LC). No trend, population estimate or threat analysis is given here, because none is available from this source without the Red List API; follow the source link for the full assessment, including its date.

Source: IUCN Red List of Threatened Species (taxon 133036) — https://www.iucnredlist.org/species/133036/0; GBIF IUCN Red List category endpoint (taxonKey 4879173) — https://api.gbif.org/v1/species/4879173/iucnRedListCategory. Accessed 2026-09-25.

Description and natural history (Wikipedia)

Cylosersis curvata polyp structure is composed of strong arches which can be up to 90 millimeters in diameter. Characteristic of other Anthozoans, they have a large gastrovascular cavity which is divided into walls known as septa, which serve to increase interior surface area. In C. curvata they are generally thick and protrude outward.

When viewed from above the septa appear to curve asymmetrically. C. curvata like other cnidarians have nematocysts which are stinging tentacles that contain either a barbed or venomous coiled thread. This can be used in both self defense or to capture prey.

Body plan

Like other Cnidarians, they exhibit an oral-aboral body plan which is characterized by one side containing their mouth and the other without it. Additionally they exhibit radial symmetry meaning their body is symmetrical around a central axis.

Distribution

Cycloseris curvata have been found in depths ranging from 0-30 meters[1]. They are widely distributed through tropical environments ranging from 32°N-31°S. And 32°E-77°W[1].

Life cycle

At the basis of their life cycle, their zygotes become planular planktonic larvae. They continue through a series of metamorphosis forming tentacles, septa, and a pharynx until they ultimately settle as a polyp[2]. Cycloseris curvata have been found to inhabit soft benthic substrates in both inter-reef and reef environments.

Reproduction

Anthozoans are either gonochoristic or hermaphrodites. Germ cells originate in the endoderm and are eventually moved to the gastrodermis where they will differentiate. Once the germ cells have matured they are released through the coelenteron into the sea, as a result reproduction is external. In this process many gametes are produced to increase likelihood of fertilization.[3] They can also reproduce asexually through budding or fragmentation.[2]

Individuals feed by extending their tentacles and trapping small zooplankton through a process known as suspension feeding.[4] Larger cnidarians can catch fish and crabs with their nematocysts.[4] Not much is known about their interactions with other species, however they seem to form symbiotic relationships with photosynthetic symbionts.[4]

Source: Wikipedia: Cycloseris curvata — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cycloseris_curvata (CC BY-SA 4.0). Accessed 2026-09-25.