Distinguishing Characteristics |
Colonial polyps forming singular, cup-like structures (corallites), sometimes joined at the bases or between cups with a calcium carbonite skeletal layer (the coenosteum); color light brown (sometimes yellowish brown to reddish brown) within and on upper corallites, lower corallites and coenosteum white; corallites circular, usually ridged on the outside, central pits deep; septa (radiating plates inside corallite) arranged with 6 primary plates, 6 smaller ones and smaller ones in between those; live polyp with clear warty tentacles; encrusting (grows on other structures), non-reef forming. |
Similar Species |
The speckled cup coral, Rhizosmilia maculata, has 12 large septa (6 in the hidden cup coral) and live polyps have a speckled pattern. The hidden cup coral's brown color helps distinguish it from other cup corals. |
Habitat |
Gulf and bay, attaches to hard substrates, jetties, pilings, shell |
Maximum Size |
corallites up to 1.5 cm (1/2 in) |
Other Common Names |
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Previous Scientific Names |
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