Echinopora forskaliana

Echinopora forskaliana is a coral species belonging to the family Merulinidae and is part of the order Scleractinia. It is found in the Western Indian Ocean, thriving in tropical marine environments. This coral is sessile, meaning it remains fixed in one place, typically attaching itself to hard substrates in the reef. Divers can encounter this coral at various dive sites, as it is recorded near DiveSight dive sites according to GBIF records. The reproductive cycle of Echinopora forskaliana involves the shedding of mature gametes into the coelenteron, which are then spawned through the mouth. The zygote develops into a planktonic planula larva, which eventually undergoes metamorphosis, forming tentacles, septa, and a pharynx before settling on the aboral end. This process is characteristic of members of the class Anthozoa, which can be either gonochoric or hermaphroditic. The conservation status of Echinopora forskaliana is listed as Least Concern according to the IUCN Red List. While this coral is not currently under significant threat, it is included in CITES Appendix II.