Ctenactis echinata

Ctenactis echinata is a solitary disc coral found in the Indo-Pacific region, ranging from the Red Sea to northern Australia and various Pacific islands. It typically inhabits reef flats and slopes, as well as lagoons, at depths of up to 40 meters. This coral is medium to large, with an oval shape reaching lengths of about 25 cm and widths of 10 cm, though it can grow up to 1 meter. Its surface is characterized by an axial furrow and thick, heavily toothed primary septa, with smaller secondary septa in between. The underside features long spines arranged in radial rows. The coral is usually pale brown in color. Ctenactis echinata is often found in large aggregations on reef slope benches, although it is a free-living species. It is known for its rough texture due to septal and costal dentations. In terms of reproduction, members of its class, Anthozoa, can be either gonochoric or hermaphroditic, with gametes being released into the water column. The zygote develops into a planktonic larva before settling and undergoing metamorphosis. For divers, encountering Ctenactis echinata can be a common experience given its wide distribution and abundance. Its conservation status is listed as Least Concern.