Torch coral
Euphyllia glabrescens
Phaceloid colonies with large tublular tentacles with knob-like tips. The mass of long tentacles obscures all underlying structure. Colonies are often brown with white tips.
Morphology
Colonies are phaceloid; corallites are 20-30 millimetres diameter and 15-30 millimetres apart. Walls are thin, with acute edges. Septa are even and plunge steeply near the centre of the corallite.
Evolution
Species age estimated to be 1.397 mya
Behaviour
A zooxanthellate coral which harbours symbiotic dinoflagelates in its tissues and in larval propagules. It has long sweeper tentacles which are tipped with cnidocytes.
Method of reproduction
Brooder
Habitat
Marine
Soft sediments to 40m
Distribution
Indo-Pacific
Life Cycle
The sperm are released and get drawn into other polyps of the same or other colonies where eggs are fertilized and the developing larvae are brooded maternally. Self-fertilisation may be an important strategy for this species. When the larvae are released they settle close to the parent colony.
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
|---|---|
| Phylum: | Cnidaria |
| Class: | Anthozoa |
| Subclass: | Hexacorallia |
| Order: | Scleractinia |
| Family: | Euphylliiae |
| Genus: | Euphyllia |
| Species: | glabrescens |
| Name Published Year: | 1821 |
|---|---|
| Scientific Name Authorship: | Chammiso and Eysenhardt |
| Commercial Impact: | Collected for the aquarium industry |
| Conservation Assessment: | Near Threatened |
Cite this page
Western Australian Museum Collections https://museum.wa.gov.au/online-collections/names/Euphyllia-glabrescens
Accessed 24 Apr 2025
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