Plate+Coral-+Fungia+scutaria

1.All species have wide slit-like mouths in the centre and short, tapered and widely spaced tentacles that are usually only extended at night 2.When Fungi are in immediate contact with other hard corals, they secrete a mucus that can damage coral tissues and prevents the over growth of these neighbouring corals. This mucus also plays a role in removing sediment from the coral, and facilitating in food capture Poor land management practices that are releasing more sediment, nutrients and pollutants into the oceans and stressing the fragile reef ecosystem. Over fishing has effects that results in the increase of macro-algae that can out-compete and smother corals, and fishing using destructive methods physically devastates the reef.
 * Phylum:** Cnidaria
 * Common Name:** Plate Corsl or Mushroom Coral
 * Scientific Name**: //Fungia scutaria//
 * Class**: Anthozoa
 * Location**: the Indian and Pacific Oceans, from tropical to high latitude reefs.
 * Size**: .4 in to 118 in
 * Description of Habitat:** live in fairly shallow soft sand and coral rubble zones on reef slopes and lagoon flats away from the wave action.
 * Living Requirements**: They typically dont live in colonies unlike other corals they are solitary and free living. They eat shrimp, plankton,and fish
 * Life Cycle of Animals:**
 * Male and Female Differences:** They are hermaphodites
 * Interesting Facts:**
 * Threatened:** A potential threat is the increase of coral bleaching events, as a result of global climate change Fungia corals may also potentially be threatened by coral harvesting for jewelry
 * Human Impact on Organism:**

[] [] [] [] Zookeeper: Jessica Tolliver
 * Sources**