faviid

Faviid refers to a subfamily of stony corals, Faviinae, within the order Scleractinia. These corals are characterized by their large, flattened, and often dome-shaped corallites, which are the skeletal cups that house individual coral polyps. Faviid corals are colonial, meaning that many polyps grow together to form a single, large colony. They are found in tropical and subtropical waters worldwide, predominantly in the Indo-Pacific region.

These corals are important reef builders, contributing significantly to the structural complexity and biodiversity of coral reef ecosystems. They are typically found in shallow to moderate depths and can tolerate a range of environmental conditions, although they are sensitive to changes in water temperature, salinity, and pollution. Faviid corals are zooxanthellate, meaning they host symbiotic dinoflagellates (zooxanthellae) within their tissues. These algae provide the coral with essential nutrients through photosynthesis, while the coral provides the algae with shelter and carbon dioxide.

Examples of genera within the Faviinae subfamily include Favia, Favites, and Goniastrea. Their ecological role extends beyond reef building, as they provide habitat and food sources for a variety of marine organisms. Their skeletal structures are also studied for insights into past environmental conditions.