Goniopora columna
| Goniopora columna | |
|---|---|
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Scientific classification 
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| Domain: | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Cnidaria |
| Class: | Hexacorallia |
| Order: | Scleractinia |
| Family: | Poritidae |
| Genus: | Goniopora |
| Species: | G. columna
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| Binomial name | |
| Goniopora columna Dana, 1846
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| Synonyms | |
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Goniopora columna is a species of colonial stony coral in the family Poritidae.[2]
Distribution
This species is native to the western and eastern
It can be found in
Habitat
This reef-associated species occurs in tropical shallow waters and in sheltered, sandy or lagoon environments, at depths of 2 to 15 m. It may also occur in turbid waters. The
Description
This species develops hemispherical or irregular columnar mound shaped colonies with a neat appearance and dead basal parts. The color of the polips may be yellow, brown or green, usually with different color in the oral discs.
The diameter of the small and rounded calices ranges from about 3–5 mm (0.12–0.20 in), with a uniform bundle of tentacles. The columellae are rather large and long. The living polyps can reach a length up to 10 cm (3.9 in).[3][4][5]
This species is quite similar to Goniopora stokesi and Goniopora lobata. It differs from the other two especially for the columnar shape of the colonies and for the large light-colored oral disc.
Biology
Like most corals, Goniopora columna reproduce asexually. They usually feed on plankton. Mature gametes are spawned through the mouth. The zygote develops into a planktonic planula larva.[6][7]
References
- ^ a b c Sheppard, A., Fenner, D., Edwards, A., Abrar, M. & Ochavillo, D. 2014. Goniopora columna The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2014
- ^ Biolib
- ^ WoRMS World Register of Marine Species
- ^ Veron, J. E. N. (1986). Corals of Australia and the Indo-Pacific. Angus & Robertson Publishers
- ^ Dana, J.D. (1846-1849). Zoophytes. United States Exploring Expedition during the years 1838-1842. Lea and Blanchard, Philadelphia. 7: 1-740
- ^ Sea Life Base
- ^ Nemenzo, F. Sr. 1986 Guide to Philippine Flora and Fauna. Corals. Natural Resources Management Center, Ministry of Natural Resources and University of the Philippines. 5:273 pp.