bowl coral
Halomitra clavator
Halomitra clavator is a distinctive bowl coral species characterized by its large, plate-like structure that can grow up to 50 cm in diameter with a characteristic bowl or funnel shape. This hard coral features radiating septa (skeletal plates) and plays a crucial role in reef ecosystems by providing habitat for fish and invertebrates while contributing to calcium carbonate reef structure.
3
Countries
Photo: iNaturalist: (c) Ingo Rogalla, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC), uploaded by Ingo Rogalla
Taxonomy & Classification
Kingdom
Animalia
Phylum
Cnidaria
Class
Anthozoa
Order
Scleractinia
Family
Fungiidae
Genus
Halomitra
bowl coral belongs to the family Fungiidae, order Scleractinia, within the Anthozoa class.
Species Profile
Halomitra clavator is a distinctive bowl coral species characterized by its large, plate-like structure that can grow up to 50 cm in diameter with a characteristic bowl or funnel shape. This hard coral features radiating septa (skeletal plates) and plays a crucial role in reef ecosystems by providing habitat for fish and invertebrates while contributing to calcium carbonate reef structure.
Bowl coral (Halomitra clavator) faces significant threats from ocean warming and acidification, which cause coral bleaching and reduce calcification rates essential for skeletal growth. Coastal development, pollution, and destructive fishing practices further degrade the shallow reef environments this species depends on for survival.
Key Facts
Habitat & Distribution
Shallow tropical coral reefs and reef slopes in the Indo-Pacific region, typically found at depths of 5-30 meters in clear, warm waters with strong currents. This species prefers hard substrate areas on outer reef slopes and reef crests where it can form large, plate-like colonies.
Threats
Ocean acidification
Ocean warming and coral bleaching
Coastal development and sedimentation
Destructive fishing practices
Water pollution and nutrient runoff
Found in 3 Countries
Community Sightings
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Sources & Attribution
How to Cite
IUCN: IUCN (2025). The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Version 2025-1. Available at: https://www.iucnredlist.org. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2025-1.RLTS
GBIF: GBIF.org (2025). GBIF Home Page. Available at: https://www.gbif.org
This page: SpeciesRadar (2025). bowl coral (Halomitra clavator). SpeciesRadar: Intelligence for Earth's Biodiversity. Available at: https://speciesradar.org/species/bowl-coral