Astrocoeniidae
A family of stony corals found worldwide in tropical and subtropical oceans.
Astrocoeniidae is a family of stony corals found in tropical and subtropical oceans around the world. These corals can be either hermatypic or ahermatypic, meaning some build reefs while others do not, and they may or may not host symbiotic zooxanthellae. The family includes both branching and encrusting species, with colonies ranging in size from less than 5 centimeters to over 30 meters across.
Quick Facts
- Taxon
- Astrocoeniidae
Facts from the source article.
Lore & Background
Astrocoeniidae is a family of stony corals that includes both hermatypic and ahermatypic colonial corals, meaning some are reef-building and others are not. The family contains species that may or may not host symbiotic zooxanthellae. Members of this family exhibit two main growth forms: branching and encrusting, and they vary dramatically in size, from colonies less than 5 cm across to massive structures exceeding 30 m in diameter.
Reader's Guide
The significance of Astrocoeniidae lies in its dual role in reef ecosystems: some species are hermatypic and contribute to reef building, while others are ahermatypic and do not. The family's ability to include both branching and encrusting forms allows it to occupy diverse ecological niches across tropical and subtropical oceans. Its size range—from tiny colonies under 5 cm to enormous structures over 30 m—demonstrates the wide variation in growth potential within the family. The presence of both zooxanthellate and azooxanthellate species further highlights the family's adaptability to different light and nutrient conditions. The World Register of Marine Species lists five genera in the family, including both extant and extinct taxa, with several fossil species noted. This mix of living and fossil representatives underscores the family's long evolutionary history and its continued presence in modern coral communities.
Did You Know?
- The family contains both branching and encrusting species.
- Colony size ranges from less than 5 cm to more than 30 m across.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Astrocoeniidae?
Astrocoeniidae is a family of stony corals that inhabit tropical and subtropical waters across the globe. The group spans a wide variety of shapes and sizes, making it one of the more diverse lineages within the reef-building coral tree.
What are Astrocoeniidae's powers/role?
Some members of this family are hermatypic and actively construct reef framework, while others are ahermatypic and settle on hard substrate without contributing to reef building. Depending on the species, they may or may not partner with photosynthetic zooxanthellae for supplemental energy.
How big does Astrocoeniidae get?
Colonies in this family range from tiny encrusting patches under five centimeters to sprawling structures exceeding thirty meters in span. Both branching and encrusting growth forms are represented, giving the family a remarkable breadth of body plans.
Why is Astrocoeniidae important?
Because some species actively build reef architecture, Astrocoeniidae plays a direct role in shaping the three-dimensional habitat that countless marine organisms depend on. Their presence across tropical and subtropical regions also makes them key contributors to global coral biodiversity.
What are Astrocoeniidae's known relatives?
The family currently encompasses five recognized genera: Astrocoenia, Palauastrea, Stephanocoenia, Stylocoenia, and Stylocoeniella. Together they represent the full range of branching and encrusting forms found in warm-water seas worldwide.
More in Stony Corals 1-24
Spotted an error? Know more?
Reader corrections go straight into our review queue. Suggest an edit · How this site is sourced