Brain Coral of the Sea

Brain Coral of the Sea

Dr Abe V Rotor

"Coral reefs, the rain forest of the ocean, are home for one-third of the species of the sea." — James Hansen

 Brain Coral of the Sea. Photo by the author

Calatagan Batangas, circa 1996

Brain coral is a common name given to various corals in the families Mussidae and Merulinidae, so called due to their generally spheroid shape and grooved surface, which resembles a brain. The brain coral is estimated to live for up to 900 years, making them some of the longest-lived reef organisms. Colonies can grow up to 6 feet (1.8 meters) tall and wide. Wikipedia/Internet