Although fixed to the substrate as a juvenile, this coral becomes detached later and is free-living as an adult. It is circular or oval with a diameter of up to 20 centimetres (8 in) and height of 7 centimetres (3 in). The corallum (st… See more

Heliofungia actiniformis is native to the eastern Indian Ocean and the central Indo-Pacific region, the northwestern, northern and eastern coasts of Australia, Japan, the China Sea and the island groups of the West Pacifi… See more

H. actiniformis is a zooxanthellate coral, containing tiny photosynthetic, symbiotic organisms in its tissues. During the day these supply the coral with much of its metabolic needs. The coral also feeds on zooplankton which … See more

Many corals can be increased in number by detaching pieces of a colony and attaching them to the substrate. That is not possible with large polyp stony corals such as Heliofungia actiniformis, but it is hoped to remedy thi… See more