Stephanocoenia intersepta

Lore & Background

Stephanocoenia intersepta commonly grows in a flattened hemispherical shape. It is occasionally misidentified as massive starlet coral (S. siderea), but S. intersepta has large, protruding corallites as opposed to S. siderea's retracted corallites. Polyp tentacles are usually extended during the day, contributing to its cream, tan, gray, or brown color. When disturbed, these tentacles retract, changing the color of the coral and giving it the common name blushing star coral.

This coral is found in reefs occupying the majority of the Caribbean Sea, Gulf of Mexico, and Florida Keys. Typically found between depths of 1m and 100m, it has been found as far south as the coast of Brazil. It is a zooxanthellate species, containing single-celled dinoflagellates in its tissues that are photosynthetic and provide the coral with 70% to 95% of its energy needs. The rest of its needs are supplied by the polyps which trap passing plankton.

Found in most reef communities, the crustose form of this coral is typically found in shallower environments between 5 and 15 meters, while the boulder form is found in deeper communities (10-20m). The average age of maturity is around three to eight years, and average generational age is around 10 years.

Reader's Guide

Stephanocoenia intersepta is notable as a colonial stony coral in the family Astrocoeniidae, found across a wide geographic range from the Caribbean Sea and Gulf of Mexico to the coast of Brazil. Its IUCN assessment as Near Threatened highlights its conservation concern. The species exhibits two distinct growth forms—crustose in shallower waters (5-15m) and boulder form in deeper communities (10-20m)—which reflect its ecological adaptability. As a zooxanthellate coral, it relies heavily on symbiotic dinoflagellates for 70% to 95% of its energy, with the remainder obtained by trapping plankton. Its common name, blushing star coral, derives from the color change that occurs when its tentacles retract upon disturbance. The species reaches maturity between three and eight years, with a generational age of about 10 years, indicating a relatively slow life history. Its presence in most reef communities underscores its role in reef ecosystems, while its misidentification with S. siderea points to the need for careful taxonomic distinction based on corallite morphology.

Did You Know?

• Stephanocoenia intersepta is also known as blushing star coral because its color changes when disturbed tentacles retract.
• It is a zooxanthellate species, obtaining 70% to 95% of its energy from photosynthetic dinoflagellates.
• The crustose form is typically found between 5 and 15 meters, while the boulder form occurs at 10-20 meters.