Giant Star Coral
Moseleya latistellata
Boasting an impressive and unique appearance, Moseleya latistellata colonies tend to consist of few but large corallites which appear similar to warped or melting discs. Colonies range from green to brown in colour. This coral is usually uncommon however in NW Australia it can be common in turbid nearshore habitats.
Morphology
Flat submassive colonies that have a maximum diameter of approximately 20cm (less than 50 polyps). The colonies are normally attached but have been observed to be free-living. Colonies feature large ceroid anglular corallites (up to 50mm diameter). There is often a large central corallite. The corallites are packed with finely granulated septa.
Evolution
This species belongs to a monospecific genus within the Family Lobophylliidae.
Behaviour
This species is a zooxanthellate organism meaning that it houses a small photosynthetic algae (zooxanthellae) through which it obtains energy. Additional nourishment is provided through the catching of prey with its fleshy tentacles.
Method of reproduction
Hermaphrodite; Spawner
Habitat
Marine
Most commonly occurs in turbid water and in relatively low energy muddy substrates. Known to occur in shallow subtidal zones to approximately 12m depth and intertidal zones.
Distribution
Found in tropical waters from the Abrolhos Island to south-east Queensland.
Life Cycle
Broadcast spawner, where gametes are release for external fertilization and the planulae develops in the plankton.
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
|---|---|
| Phylum: | Cnidaria |
| Class: | Anthozoa |
| Subclass: | Hexacorallia |
| Order: | Scleractinia |
| Family: | Lobophyllidae |
| Genus: | Moseleya |
| Species: | latistellata |
| Name Published Year: | 1884 |
|---|---|
| Scientific Name Authorship: | Quelch |
| Commercial Impact: | Rarely collected for the aquarium industry. |
| Conservation Assessment: | Vulnerable |
Cite this page
Western Australian Museum Collections https://museum.wa.gov.au/online-collections/names/moseleya-latistellata
Accessed 21 May 2025
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