False Pillow Coral

Pseudosiderastrea tayamai

False Pillow Coral, known scientifically as Pseudosiderastrea tayamai, is a reef-associated species found in the Indo-West Pacific region. This coral forms colonies that are encrusting to slightly dome-shaped, reaching up to 16 cm in diameter. The corallites are cerioid and polygonal, measuring about 3-6 mm across. Typically, the coral is pale grey with distinctive white corallite walls, although it can appear uniform brown in the western Indian Ocean. This species inhabits shallow waters, usually attaching itself to bare rocks. False Pillow Coral is part of the family Rhizangiidae and thrives in tropical climates between 30°N and 26°S latitude. Reproduction in False Pillow Coral involves the shedding of gametes into the coelenteron, which are then spawned through the mouth. The resulting zygote develops into a planktonic planula larva, which eventually settles and undergoes metamorphosis. The species is currently listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List.