Galaxea fascicularis
3.5m
3-25m
578 sites
Euphylliidae
Imagine stumbling upon an underwater galaxy – that's what it's like to encounter *Galaxea fascicularis*, or Galaxy Coral! This stunning coral forms large, often dome-shaped colonies, bringing a burst of color and texture to the reef. While they can grow quite large (up to 5 meters!), you'll typically find them in the 3-meter to 25-meter depth range, making them accessible to both scuba divers and snorkelers. Keep an eye out for them in the Great Barrier Reef, the South Pacific, and even the Atlantic and Southern Australia. Although not the most charismatic megafauna, Galaxy Corals provide a crucial habitat for a variety of marine life. Observing the smaller creatures that call these corals home can be just as rewarding as spotting the coral itself! While you won't see them actively feeding (they rely on symbiotic algae for sustenance), their intricate structure and the life they support make them a memorable sight on any dive.
Galaxy Coral is easily recognized by its dense clusters of individual corallites, each resembling a small flower or star. These corallites typically have a vibrant color, ranging from green and brown to pink and even purple. Look for a dome or boulder-like shape, often with a slightly bumpy or uneven surface due to the tightly packed corallites. Unlike some branching corals, Galaxy Coral forms solid, compact structures.
