Boulder star corals- boulder star corals are also called as the “builders “ of the reef
. They
are found 20-70 feet beneath the sea surface but these corals can survive to the depths of 160 feet, such is the enchanting beauty of these corals. They are commonly found in upper reef slopes in most reef environment and are dominant species of lagoons. Boulder star corals grow in clusters of thick columns or large boulders up to 5 feet in diameter.
Black Corals- Black corals are also known as the “king corals” as mariners would bring back gifts of black corals to their royal sponsors, who prized their rarity and beauty in the olden days. Black corals live in deep water up to 300 feet. These brilliantly colored corals take their name from the distinctive black or dark brown colour of their skeleton. They are the official state gem of Hawaii. People have used black corals since prehistoric times, as medicine and in carved ornaments.
Clubbed Finger Corals- The name “clubbed finger corals” came because they form colonies with clumps of smooth, short branches with swollen ends like a clubbed finger. Their smooth branches usually reach a length of about 12 inches. The clubbed finger corals are beige, yellow-brown, brown or gray in color. They are common species found throughout the reefs of the Caribbean and the Gulf of Mexico. They are found in most areas of the reef up to 160 feet beneath the sea.
Great Star corals- The natural beauty in bounty of the great star corals is so much pleasing to the eye. Great star corals show the phenomenon of “ Mass spawning” in the Atlantic where in the corals release their sperms and eggs in the water for them to fertilize externally. This mass-spawning event occurs 8-10 nights after the full moon. They grow over 5 feet in diameter in waters of shallow and moderate depths. They are found throughout most reef environments and are the predominant corals at depths of 40-100 feet.
Pillar Corals- They are known to grow up to 2.5 m tall. They look like tall towers. Pillar corals grow on both flat and sloping sea floors as low as 65 feet. Pillar corals live in the western Atlantic Ocean. They form numerous heavy cylindrical spires that grow upward from an encrusting base. Fallen pillars may give rise to new upward growing spires. Unlike other corals, which feed at night, pillar corals feed during the day.