Montiidae

Montiidae is a family of marine invertebrates belonging to the class Anthozoa, which also includes corals and sea anemones. Members of this family are commonly known as stony corals or azooxanthellate corals. Unlike many other reef-building corals, Montiidae do not host symbiotic algae called zooxanthellae within their tissues. This absence of algae means they are typically found in deeper, darker waters where sunlight is insufficient for photosynthesis.

The corals in the Montiidae family are characterized by their hard, stony skeletons, which are primarily composed of calcium carbonate. These skeletons provide structural support and protection for the soft polyps. The polyps themselves are typically small and possess a ring of tentacles used for capturing plankton and other small organisms from the water column. Montiidae corals are found in oceans worldwide, often inhabiting continental shelves, seamounts, and deep-sea environments. Their feeding strategy relies entirely on heterotrophy, meaning they consume organic matter. While not as visually vibrant as their shallow-water counterparts due to the lack of symbiotic algae, Montiidae play a role in deep-sea ecosystems, contributing to reef structures and providing habitat for other marine life. Research into this family continues to explore their unique adaptations to low-light environments and their ecological significance.