Amplexidiscus

Amplexidiscus fenestrafer, also known as the elephant ear anemone, is a species of coral belonging to the phylum Cnidaria.[1] The name "elephant ear anemone" is a misnomer because it is actually a species of coral. It is the only species in the monotypic genus Amplexidiscus.[2]

Amplexidiscus fenestrafer
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Cnidaria
Class: Anthozoa
Order: Corallimorpharia
Family: Discosomidae
Genus: Amplexidiscus
Dunn & Hamner, 1980
Species:
A. fenestrafer
Binomial name
Amplexidiscus fenestrafer
Dunn & Hamner, 1980[1]
Synonyms
  • Discosoma fenestrafera (Dunn & Hamner, 1980)

Description

The visible part of its body corresponds to its oral region and forms a flexible disc, when it is deployed, endowed with cone-shaped tentacles. Its diameter can reach 40 centimetres (16 in) and its coloration is light beige to brown.[3]

Distribution & habitat

This coral is often forming small colony in 5–25 metres (16–82 ft) depth on the top reef in tropical waters Indo-West Pacific area.[4]

Feeding

Its diet is highly varied and goes from the production of its zooxanthellae to numerous animals which find themselves trapped by the oral disk as benthic invertebrates, crustaceans, worms, echinoderms and even fishes. When the prey is trapped and the anemone is starting its digestion, the lobed edges are raised towards the center of the disk and form a ball.[3]

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References
  1. Daphne Fautin (2013). Fautin DG (ed.). "Amplexidiscus fenestrafer Dunn & Hamner, 1980". Hexacorallians of the World. World Register of Marine Species. Retrieved May 21, 2013.
  2. Fautin DG, ed. (2013). "Amplexidiscus". Hexacorallians of the World. World Register of Marine Species. Retrieved May 21, 2013.
  3. Andreas Vilcinskas (2002). La vie sous-marine des tropiques [The underwater life of the tropics] (in French). Editions Vigot. ISBN 9782711419036.
  4. "Amplexidiscus fenestrafer" at the Encyclopedia of Life
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