Elliptical Star Coral

Dichocoenia stokesii

Elliptical Star Coral, scientifically known as Dichocoenia stokesii, is a unique coral species predominantly located in the Caribbean Sea and western Atlantic Ocean. It is characterized by its varied forms, appearing either as a large, rounded hump or a flat, platform-like structure. The coral's stony cups, or corallites, can take on oval, elongated, circular, or Y-shaped forms, each with distinct raised edges. Its color palette is diverse, including shades of white, cream, orange, yellowish-brown, green, olive, and brown, contrasted by white ridges around the corallites. This coral species thrives on fore and back reefs, avoiding the reef crests, and is found at depths ranging from 2 to 72 meters, with a preference for shallower waters up to 30 meters. As a zooxanthellate coral, it harbors symbiotic algae that provide nutrients through photosynthesis. At night, its polyps extend tentacles to feed on plankton and small invertebrates, enhancing its nutritional intake. Reproduction occurs during mass spawning events in August and October. Although it withstands thermal stress better than many other corals, Elliptical Star Coral is susceptible to diseases like white plague and black band disease, which have severely affected its populations. It is listed as Vulnerable by the IUCN.