1
This type of coral occurs in various reef environments and isolated colonies on subtidal rocks
© National Museum of Qatar
Scientific Name:
Common Name: Brain Coral
Dimensions: The species forms large coral heads of usually up to 1 m, and exceptionally several meters in diameter. Calices are normally 5 mm wide, with walls being 5 – 6.5 mm high and 1 – 2.2 wide.
Medium: model
Registration Number: RPN.2018.0075
2
Brain corals are large, encrusting colonies known for their meandering valleys, which give them their name. They have thin walls with wider valleys, angular and perforated walls, and pointed septa extending above the corallite. The columella is not well-developed, and centers are unclear. They come in colours like brown, tan, green, and gray-green, sometimes with brighter hues in the valleys.
Habitat and Biology
In the Arabian Gulf, platygyra daedalea occurs in various coral reef environments, at depths upto 10 metres, with larger colonies usually found in deeper waters. This species also occurs in isolated colonies on subtidal rocks.
ECO System Qatar
Coral reefs are colonies of tiny animals thriving in nutrient-poor marine waters, typically in shallow, productive regions on solid substrates. Composed of calcium carbonate secretions, they serve essential ecological, economic, recreational, and cultural roles. They offer shelter and sustenance to various marine life, protect coastlines from storms and erosion, support fishing and leisure activities, and are part of cultural heritage. Around 10% of Qatar's seabed is covered by coral reefs, vital to over 80% of the Gulf's fish species. Noteworthy Qatar reefs are near Halul Island, Othman Reef, and Khor Al Udaid. Unfortunately, these reefs are endangered, as evidenced by a significant decline in coral health.
PUBLICATIONS AND RESEARCH
Krupp, F. (Editor), Saud bin Faisal bin Abdulaziz, P. (Preface By), Al-Athel, S. bin A.Series: (Fauna of Arabia, Volume19 ) Karger Libri.
This item is not available.
locate in museum map
Gallery 2