Goniastrea

Goniastrea is a genus of stony corals belonging to the family Faviidae. These corals are characterized by their massive, encrusting, or thamnasterioid growth forms. The corallites, which house individual polyps, are typically polygonal and closely packed together, often sharing common walls. The septa, which are the radial partitions within the corallite, are usually prominent and can be of varying lengths. Goniastrea corals are found in tropical and subtropical waters of the Indo-Pacific region, inhabiting a range of reef environments from shallow lagoons to deeper reef slopes.

The color of Goniastrea species can vary widely, often displaying shades of brown, green, grey, or pink, influenced by symbiotic zooxanthellae algae that live within their tissues. These algae provide the coral with essential nutrients through photosynthesis. Goniastrea corals are broadcast spawners, releasing their eggs and sperm into the water column during specific lunar cycles. They play a significant role in reef ecosystems, providing habitat and food sources for various marine organisms and contributing to the structural complexity of coral reefs. Common species include Goniastrea retiformis and Goniastrea favulus.