Paragoniastrea russelli

Paragoniastrea russelli is a coral species belonging to the family Merulinidae. It forms colonies that can be submassive to encrusting in shape. The corallites, or the skeletal cup structures housing the polyps, have irregular walls that vary from thin to thick. These corals often exhibit well-developed paliform lobes and are typically green, brown, or mottled in color, with oral discs that may appear green or cream. Divers can spot these corals in various reef environments where they contribute to the complex structure of the reef ecosystem. This coral species is found across the Indo-Pacific region, from 36°N to 34°S and 32°E to 137°W. It thrives in tropical waters at depths ranging from the surface to 40 meters, although 90% of occurrences are at depths shallower than 20 meters. Paragoniastrea russelli is hermaphroditic, with mature gametes being released into the coelenteron and then spawned through the mouth. The life cycle includes a planktonic planula larva stage before settlement and metamorphosis. The conservation status of Paragoniastrea russelli is listed as Least Concern by the IUCN.