Species · GBIF taxon 2260167
Grooved Brain Coral
Diploria labyrinthiformisAlso known as Brain Coral, Depressed Brain Coral
Grooved brain corals form massive, yellow-brown hemispherical domes characterized by deep, winding valleys and a distinct secondary groove running along the top of each ridge. These slow-growing stony corals are vital reef builders, providing essential structural complexity and habitat for countless Caribbean reef organisms. They feed primarily at night, extending translucent tentacles to capture passing zooplankton while relying on symbiotic algae for energy during the day.
Reef BuilderMarineSlow Growing
—observations
—countries
—peak records
Critically EndangeredConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXCritically EndangeredRed List categories, explained →
Diet & prey
- Zooplankton
- Microscopic detritus
Predators
- Bearded Fireworm
- Stoplight Parrotfish
- Four-eye Butterflyfish
ThreatsStony coral tissue loss disease, ocean warming, acidification, and sedimentation
HabitatsShallow coral reefs, rocky seabeds, and lagoons
Life spanUp to several hundred years
Size / weightNot available
Classification
- FamilyFaviidae
- SpeciesDiploria labyrinthiformis
Range data is not available yet.
Interaction riskLow
- Low
- Moderate
- High
- Very high
- Why interaction risk is low
- Safe to observe at a normal distance.
- What to notice
- Look for large, yellow-brown hemispherical domes with deep, maze-like valleys and a distinct groove along the top of each ridge.
- Support conservation
- Never touch, anchor on, or stand on the coral; maintain excellent buoyancy control while diving or snorkeling nearby.
Responsible observation
- Maintain Buoyancy: Avoid touching or kicking the reef, as these slow-growing colonies take decades to recover from physical damage.
- Observe Night Feeding: Use a red-filtered dive light at night to watch the polyps extend their delicate feeding tentacles.
- Look for Grooves: Identify this species by looking for the distinct secondary groove running along the top of the winding ridges.
Competitor (c) mtracewell, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by mtracewell · cc-by
Predator no rights reserved · cc0
Predator Adona9 at English Wikipedia / CC BY-SA 3.0 · cc-by-sa
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