Orbicella faveolata
2-40m
1416 sites
Merulinidae
Imagine gliding along a vibrant Caribbean reef, sunlight dappling through the clear water, and you spot it: Mountainous Star Coral (Orbicella faveolata). This fascinating coral forms impressive, boulder-like or dome-shaped structures, often reaching considerable size. While its exact dimensions are unknown, expect to see formations that add significant texture to the reef landscape. Divers and snorkellers usually encounter this coral between 2 and 40 meters, making it accessible to all experience levels. Though you might not find dedicated dive sites solely for this coral, keep an eye out for it while exploring the reefs of the Caribbean and Eastern Pacific; its presence indicates a healthy reef ecosystem. Its NE conservation status suggests more information is needed, so every observation you make is valuable!
Look for large, rounded or irregular boulder shapes, often with a bumpy, uneven surface. The coral's color typically ranges from yellowish-brown to greenish-brown, but can also exhibit shades of grey. The surface is covered in small, closely packed corallites (the individual polyps' skeletal cups), giving it a star-like appearance when viewed closely. Mountainous Star Coral is a reef-building species, so it will always be attached to the substrate and will not move. You will usually find it in shallower reef environments.
