Although fixed to the substrate as a juvenile, this coral becomes detached later and is free-living as an adult. It … 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

Although this coral is common in some localities, it is vulnerable to the degradation processes which are occurring on coral reefs. It is susceptible to coral diseases and to coral bleaching and is likely to be threatened by … See more

• Media related to Heliofungia actiniformis at Wikimedia Commons See more