The Brown Boulder Coral (Porites nodifera) is a stony coral, which is also called the Dome Coral. It is a marine (saltwater) animal.

The Brown Boulder Coral is brown and each one looks like a large rock. It is sessile (not moving), with a mouth in each polyp that feeds on small organisms and plankton.

Brown Boulder Coral

It measures up to 100 metres (39 inches) across.

The Brown Boulder Coral is found in the Indian Ocean, including the Red Sea, the Middle East, and India. It prefers shallow water in reefs and lagoons. It also prefers brightly lit waters, and not dark, shadowy areas.

Brown Boulder Coral

Photographer: Martina Nicolls

Martina Nicolls: SIMILAR BUT DIFFERENT IN THE ANIMAL KINGDOM