Brain Coral © Captain John Rothchild
The Brain Coral, or Lobophyllia, get their name from the resemblance that they
have to a human brain. Coral Polyps make up the brain coral and therefore form
the grooves that make the coral look like the human brain. They are found in
upper reef slopes and lagoons because they are able to stand up to strong currents.
It takes hundreds of years to grow to maturity but it can reach a maximum size
of 7 feet around. They eat zooplankton, tiny plants, and phytoplankton. The corals need a lot of light so they are nocturnal and eat at night.
- John G. Shedd Aquarium. "Explorer's Guide: Brain Coral.
- http://www.sheddaquarium.org/sea/fact_sheets.cfm?id=91
