About Stephanocoenia intersepta (Esper, 1795)
Stephanocoenia intersepta (Esper, 1795) commonly grows in a flattened hemispherical shape. It is occasionally misidentified as the massive starlet coral S. siderea, but can be distinguished by its large, protruding corallites, in contrast to the retracted corallites of S. siderea. Its polyp tentacles are usually extended during the day, giving the coral a cream, tan, gray, or brown color. When disturbed, these tentacles retract, which changes the coral's color, and gives it the common name blushing star coral. This coral is found on reefs across most of the Caribbean Sea, Gulf of Mexico, and Florida Keys, and has been recorded as far south as the coast of Brazil. It typically occurs at depths between 1 metre and 100 metres. Stephanocoenia intersepta is a zooxanthellate species, meaning it hosts single-celled photosynthetic dinoflagellates within its tissues. These symbionts meet 70% to 95% of the coral's energy requirements; the remainder of the coral's energy is obtained when its polyps trap passing plankton. The species occurs in most reef communities. The crustose growth form of this coral is typically found in shallower environments between 5 and 15 metres depth, while the boulder growth form occurs in deeper reef communities between 10 and 20 metres depth. This coral reaches sexual maturity at an average age of three to eight years, and has an average generational age of around 10 years.
