Manicina areolata (rose coral)

Colonies of Manicina areolata coral are less than 10cm in diameter, and are either dome-like, or shaped like an ice cream cone when viewed from the side.

Manicina areolata living in a seagrass meadow.

They are free living or, when small, attach to small sediment grain, mollusc shells, or calcareous algae.

If a colony becomes overturned by a fish or current it can right itself and avoid being smothered by sediment.

Species detail

Taxonomy

Find out what shapes this ancient rose coral, and why many of its relatives became extinct.
Habitat

Manicina areolata is widespread across the Caribbean region and is a reef coral. But it rarely inhabits coral reefs. Find out where this coral prefers to live.
Reproduction

Manicina areolata has both male and female sexual organs - it is a simultaneous hermaphrodite. Find out how it reproduces, and why it releases its larvae according to the phase of the moon.
Behaviour

Manicina areolata is a free-living coral that lives loose on the sea floor. It is one of only a few corals that are actively mobile. Find out how it flips itself upright when it gets overturned.
References

Get more information on Manicina areolata.