Lobed Brain Coral

Superpower

Grows in winding ridges and valleys that look exactly like a brain.

At a glance

Size

typically 50 cm, up to 500 cm

Lifespan

30–100 years

Depth

1–40 m

Habitat

Reef slopes and flats in clear water.

Diet

Symbiotic algae plus plankton.

Can I eat it?

No — this one is not eaten.

Safety

• Venomous1/10

  Mild sting, harmless to people.

Fun facts

• •Its winding ridges give it the 'brain coral' name.
• •Colonies can live for over a century and grow huge.
• •Each valley holds rows of tiny feeding polyps.