About Lobactis scutaria (Lamarck, 1801)
Lobactis scutaria is a solitary, non-colonial coral that lives freely and is not attached to the seabed. Its overall shape is either discoid or elongated, and it can grow to a very large size. The polyp of this coral can reach up to 17 centimetres (6.7 in) in length, and is embedded in a cup-shaped hollow called a corallite, which is surrounded by calcareous material. Narrow ribs called septa line the corallite; each septa has a tall tentacular lobe near its central origin. The septa bear unlobed teeth, and additional tentacular lobes at intervals where the septa divide. Outside the corallite, these ribs continue under the new name costae, which bear rows of tiny spines. The underside of the coral has a scar formed when it detached from the seabed during its juvenile stage. Its colour varies, and is most often brown, yellowish, or blue, with contrasting tentacular lobes. The polyp has a central, slit-like mouth and a small number of short, tapering tentacles. Lobactis scutaria is found in the Indian Ocean on upper reef slopes, particularly in areas with considerable wave-driven water movement. It typically grows on sand or coral fragment beds, and is often found living alongside other species in the genus Fungia.
