Pavona decussata

Pavona decussata (Dana, 1846)
Cactus coral

photo by FAO

Family:	Agariciidae ()
Max. size:
Environment:	reef-associated; marine; depth range 0 - 40 m
Distribution:	Indo-Pacific.
Diagnosis:	Small colonies are encrusting, and larger ones develop vertical plates that anastomose to form an interlocking matrix. The sides and edges of the plates are quite smooth. Individual corallites are tiny, superficial and run in irregular rows (Ref. 269).
Biology:	Common in shallow to intermediate depths and may form colonies several meters in diameter and in height (Ref. 269). Common in shallow to intermediate depths (Ref. 269) in most reef habitats (Ref. 98471). Growth varies with water conditions: large, thin plates in clear shelter waters; thick plates in exposed areas; and minimal ridges form in high turbidity. The bivalve Barbatia helblingi was reported to be byssally attached, wedged between the plates of this coral (Ref. 130769).
IUCN Red List Status:	(LC); Date assessed: 24 October 2023 Ref. 123251)
Threat to humans:
Country info:

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