Button Coral

Cynarina lacrymalis

Button Coral, part of the family Lobophylliidae, is a stony coral found in tropical reef environments. It typically inhabits depths ranging from 0 to 50 meters, with most occurrences being shallower than 40 meters. The coral is monocentric, often oval or circular in shape, with a cylindrical form. Its base is pointed when free-living, aiding in attachment to substrates. The Button Coral is characterized by its thick primary septa with large, rounded or lobed teeth, and well-developed paliform lobes. Its mantle, which can be translucent, may extend to twice the diameter of its skeleton in low light conditions, revealing the toothed primary septo-costae during the day. Coloration varies, often presenting a mix of green or brown, with pink and other colors possible. Button Coral is distributed across the Indo-Pacific region, from the Red Sea and eastern Africa to Tonga, and as far north as southern Japan and south to the Kermadec Islands. It thrives in protected reef environments and deep sandy substrates. This coral is hermaphroditic, releasing mature gametes into the coelenteron and spawning them through the mouth. The zygote develops into a planktonic planula larva, which eventually settles after undergoing early morphogenesis. Divers encountering Button Coral may observe its nocturnal tentacle extension. While it is not evaluated for any specific threats to humans, its conservation status is listed as Least Concern, and it is included in CITES Appendix II.