Distribution / Background
Scolymia Coral Information: The Scolymia genus was described by Haime in 1852. According to author Vernon in his book "Corals of Australia and the Indo-Pacific" there are 8 nominal species. Six of these are from the Indo-Pacific with two being true species, Scolymia vitiensis, and Scolymia australis. The other two are from the Atlantic with Scolymia cubensis (also known as Scolymia wellsi) found in the Carribean, Florida, and around Brazil. The other one, called Scolymia lacera, is now believed to be a Mussa species (Fenner, 1993) and is named Mussa angulosa. Some of the common names these corals are known for are Doughnut Coral, Button Coral, Disk Coral, Mushroom Coral, Flat Brain Coral, Meat Coral, Atlantic Mushroom Coral, and Tooth Coral..
The S. vitiensis was described by described by Bruggemann in 1877. Some common names these corals are know for are Artichoke Coral, Button Coral, Scolymia Brain Coral, Button Scolymia Coral, Green Scolymia Brain, Red or Green Flat Brain Coral, and Meat Coral.. The S. vitiensis has been propagated in captivity.
Where Scolymia Corals Are Found: The Scolymia genus inhabit the Pacific as well as the Atlantic. They are found in the Indo-Pacific Ocean from Tahiti to Madagascar and Australia, then to Japan and the Ryukyu Islands at depths from 10 - 131 feet (3 - 40 m). In the Atlantic, some species can be found on the Western Atlantic coasts of the USA and Canada, and in the Tropical Atlantic, namely, the Gulf of Mexico, East Brazilian Shelf, and the Caribbean at depths down to 98 feet (30 m).
The Scolymia vitiensis are found from Australia east to Fiji and the Marshall Islands. Around Australia they are found in the Great Barrier Reef, Coral Sea and south to Elizabeth and Middleton Reefs in the east, but are not found on the west coast.
Scolymia Coral Habitat: The Scolymia vitiensis are found on a wide variety of reef habitats, with some being common in bays, outer reefs and reef slopes, and in shaded areas, usually under ledges. They range from 10-131 feet (3 - 40 m) in depth. They feed at night, extending tentacles.
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