Description
Pavona corals are a genus of colonial, stony corals known for their various growth forms and common names like "Cactus Coral," "Potato Chip Coral," or "Lettuce Coral". They are part of the Agariciidae family and are distinguished by having clearly defined septocostae connecting corallites, resulting in a flower-like pattern on their surface. Pavona species exhibit a range of colors and growth forms, including columnar, club-shaped, or plate-like colonies.
Here's a more detailed look at Pavona corals:
Key Features:
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Colonial:
They grow in colonies, forming various shapes like plates, branches, or columns.
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Stony Corals:
They are a type of hard coral, meaning their skeletons are made of calcium carbonate.
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Corallites:
They have shallow depressions called corallites, which are the individual polyp chambers within the colony.
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Septocostae:
These are radial structures connecting the corallites, creating a distinct pattern on the coral's surface.
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Zooxanthellae:
They contain symbiotic algae called zooxanthellae, which provide them with nutrients through photosynthesis.
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Growth Forms:
Pavona corals can exhibit different growth forms, including columnar (Pavona clavus), plate-like (Pavona cactus), and branched (Pavona frondifera).
Examples of Pavona Species:
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Pavona cactus:
Often called "Cactus Coral" or "Potato Chip Coral," they form thin, plate-like colonies with a distinctive cactus or lettuce-like appearance.
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Pavona clavus:
Known for its columnar or club-shaped colonies, sometimes forming extensive single-species stands.
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Pavona duerdeni:
This species forms clusters of cream-colored lobes or discs, with a smooth appearance due to the small corallites on their surface.
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Pavona frondifera:
This species has a more delicate, frond-like growth form, often found in lagoons and on upper reef slopes.
Care Considerations:
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Lighting:
Pavona corals typically thrive in medium to strong lighting.
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Water Movement:
They generally benefit from medium to strong water movement to help with feeding and prevent the accumulation of detritus.
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Feeding:
While they are primarily photosynthetic, they may also feed on rotifers and other microfauna.
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Aggression:
Some Pavona species, like encrusting forms, can be aggressive and may sting other corals.
