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
Licensed referenceWikimedia Commons / Public domain · cc0
- diet
- Zooplankton and photosynthetic products from symbiotic zooxanthellae
- family
- Faviidae
- threats
- Stony coral tissue loss disease, ocean warming, acidification, and sedimentation
- life Span
- Up to several hundred years
CR
Safe to observe at a normal distance.
This species is critically endangered due to devastating outbreaks of stony coral tissue loss disease and rising ocean temperatures.
Never touch, anchor on, or stand on the coral; maintain excellent buoyancy control while diving or snorkeling nearby.- 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.