Heliofungia actiniformis

(Quoy & Gaimard, 1833)

Vernacular names
English : Anemone coral
French : Corail anémone

Classification
Class : Anthozoa
Order : Scleractinia
Family : Fungiidae
Notes : No subspecies known.

Identification
Polyps are large and circular in shape, with an elongated mouth and large septa with lobed teeth. They can reach up to 20 cm in length. Tentacles are very long, beige, with pink or cream round tips similar to those of an anemone.

Range and habitat
The species occurs in the Indo-Pacific area, from Sri Lanka and Andaman Islands to Micronesia, Fiji, Samoa, Taiwan and north Australia. Lives in coral reefs on reef flats and moderate slopes, from 1 to 25 meters deep.

Conservation
IUCN RED LIST : VULNERABLE
CITES : Appendix II
Status : The species is widespread and only locally common but is heavily harvested for aquarium trade. It is very susceptible to habitat loss by climate change.
Ex-Situ Programs : None known

Observation

 

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