Diploria labyrinthiformis
0-45m
1084 sites
Faviidae
Grooved Brain Coral (Diploria labyrinthiformis) is a common sight on Caribbean reefs, resembling a miniature, stony brain sitting on the seabed. As you glide along, you'll easily spot its distinctive, meandering grooves that give it its name. These corals thrive in shallower waters, from the surface down to around 45 meters, so keep an eye out whether you're snorkeling or diving deeper. Look for them encrusting rocky surfaces or forming impressive mounds. While they don't move, their intricate patterns and the life they support make them fascinating subjects for underwater photography. They are reef-associated and located within neritic zones.
The most obvious feature is the maze-like pattern of deep, winding grooves across its surface, resembling the folds of a brain. The coral is typically a tan or yellowish-brown color, though variations exist. It forms rounded or hemispherical colonies, often several feet in diameter. The grooves are usually lighter in color than the raised ridges between them. Be sure to look for these distinct ridges that are consistent and form the unique maze-like pattern.
