Smooth flower coral is a colonial species that grows to about 50 centimetres (20 in) across. It forms a low mound of stony calcium carbonate, the surface of which is covered with tubular … See more

Smooth flower coral is found in the Caribbean, the Gulf of Mexico, the Bahamas and southern Florida, at depths down to about 60 … See more

Reproduction in corals takes place when gametes are released into the water. The fertilized egg develops into a planula larva which forms part of … See more

The polyps remain retracted in the skeleton during the day but extend at night to feed. The tentacles search for zooplankton and small invertebrates which are transferred to the mouth. Another major source of energy is the result of the symbiotic See more