BIOTIC

BIOTIC Species Information for Caryophyllia smithii
All Taxonomy Biology Distribution Reproduction
Click here to view the MarLIN Key Information Review for Caryophyllia smithii
Researched by	Paul Gregory	Data supplied by	MarLIN
Refereed by	This information is not refereed.
General Biology
Growth form	Cylindrical Radial	Feeding method	Passive suspension feeder Predator
Mobility/Movement	Permanent attachment	Environmental position	Epifaunal
Typical food types	Zooplankton, organic particulates	Habit	Attached
Bioturbator	Not relevant	Flexibility	None (< 10 degrees)
Fragility	Fragile	Size	Small(1-2cm)
Height	Up to 1.5 cm	Growth Rate	Insufficient information
Adult dispersal potential	None	Dependency	Independent
Sociability	Solitary
Toxic/Poisonous?	No
General Biology Additional Information	Manuel (1988) states that the Devonshire cup coral has two forms; a shallow water form (Caryophyllia smithii var. smithii) that can be found in waters up to 100 m deep and a deep water form (Caryophyllia smithii var. clavus) that is found in water >50-1000 m deep. The shape of the corallum is distinctly different between the two forms, the deep water form being smaller with a narrow base, but the two forms are otherwise similar in general structure (Manuel, 1988). Caryophyllia inornata is very similar and co-occurs in some locations. Young specimens of Caryophyllia smithii are usually six-rayed and may be virtually indistinguishable from Caryophyllia inornata (Manuel, 1983). Growth rate up to 4 mm in first year (Bell, 2002), then up to 2 mm in subsequent years (Hiscock & Howlett, 1976).
Biology References	Manuel, 1983, Bell, 2002, Hiscock & Howlett, 1976, Bell, 2002, Gibson et al., 2001, Manuel, 1983, Fish & Fish, 1996, Bell & Turner, 2000,