''Caulastraea furcata'', also known as the candy cane, trumpet, or bullseye coral, is a

species In biology, a species is the basic unit of classification and a taxonomic rank of an organism, as well as a unit of biodiversity. A species is often defined as the largest group of organisms in which any two individuals of the appropriate s ...

of large stony coral in the

family Family (from la, familia) is a Social group, group of people related either by consanguinity (by recognized birth) or Affinity (law), affinity (by marriage or other relationship). The purpose of the family is to maintain the well-being of its ...

Merulinidae Merulinidae is a family of reef-building stony corals. Characteristics All the genera in this family are colonial, reef-building corals. Skeletal structures are similar to those of Faviidae but are highly fused, without paliform lobes. The vall ...

Description

''Caulastraea furcata'' skeletal structure consist of tubular stalks with stars on each tip. As in other colony-forming corals, colonies of ''C. furcata'' are made up of several large polyps. Each polyp bears relatively short tentacles that direct food into its central mouth. The food is then digested in a sac-like body cavity. This species is often green, yellow, or greenish brown.

Distribution and habitat

''Caulastraea furcata'' can be found in the Indo-Pacific from Fiji to Australia and possibly further west toward Thailand. This species is usually found in protected reef slopes where the substrate is partly sandy, where it will form extensive single species stands, sometimes over five metres across. It has been recorded to depths of at least 30 metres, and may also be found in lagoons.

Ecology

''Caulastraea furcata'' usually obtains most of its nutrient requirements from the photosynthesis of the single-celled algae called zooxanthellae living in its tissue. However, this coral will also feed on zooplankton.

References

{{Taxonbar, from=Q3658146 Merulinidae Corals described in 1846