Caryophyllia smithii

Researched ByPaul GregoryData Supplied ByMarLIN
Refereed byThis information is not refereed.
Taxonomy
Scientific nameCaryophyllia smithiiCommon nameDevonshire cup coral
MCS CodeD783Recent SynonymsCaryophyllia claves, Paracyathus taxilianus, Paracyathus thulensis, Paracyathus pteropus.
PhylumCnidariaSubphylum
SuperclassAnthozoaClassHexacorallia
SubclassOrderScleractinia
SuborderFamilyCaryophylliidae
GenusCaryophylliaSpeciessmithii
Subspecies  
Additional InformationManuel (1988) states that the Devonshire cup coral has two forms; a shallow water form (Caryophyllia smithii var. smithii) that can be found in waters up to 100 m deep and a deep water form (Caryophyllia smithii var. clavus) that is found in water >50-1000 m deep. The shape of the corallum is distinctly different between the two forms, the deep water form being smaller with a narrow base, but the two forms are otherwise similar in general structure (Manuel, 1988). Caryophyllia inornata is very similar and co-occurs in some locations. Young specimens of Caryophyllia smithii are usually six-rayed and may be virtually indistinguishable from Caryophyllia inornata (Manuel, 1983).
Taxonomy References Hayward & Ryland, 1995b, Hayward et al., 1996, Gibson et al., 2001, Howson & Picton, 1997, Howson & Picton, 1999, Manuel, 1988, Manuel, 1983
General Biology
Growth formCylindrical, RadialFeeding methodPassive suspension feeder, Predator
Mobility/MovementPermanent attachmentEnvironmental positionEpifaunal
Typical food typesZooplankton, organic particulatesHabitAttached
BioturbatorNot relevantFlexibilityNone (< 10 degrees)
FragilityFragileSizeSmall(1-2cm)
HeightUp to 1.5 cmGrowth RateInsufficient information
Adult dispersal potentialNoneDependencyIndependent
SociabilitySolitary
Toxic/Poisonous?No
Additional InformationManuel (1988) states that the Devonshire cup coral has two forms; a shallow water form (Caryophyllia smithii var. smithii) that can be found in waters up to 100 m deep and a deep water form (Caryophyllia smithii var. clavus) that is found in water >50-1000 m deep. The shape of the corallum is distinctly different between the two forms, the deep water form being smaller with a narrow base, but the two forms are otherwise similar in general structure (Manuel, 1988).

Caryophyllia inornata is very similar and co-occurs in some locations. Young specimens of Caryophyllia smithii are usually six-rayed and may be virtually indistinguishable from Caryophyllia inornata (Manuel, 1983).

Growth rate up to 4 mm in first year (Bell, 2002), then up to 2 mm in subsequent years (Hiscock & Howlett, 1976).
Biology References Manuel, 1983, Bell, 2002, Hiscock & Howlett, 1976, Bell, 2002, Gibson et al., 2001, Manuel, 1983, Fish & Fish, 1996, Bell & Turner, 2000
Distribution and Habitat
Distribution in Britain & IrelandFound from Shetland, north eastern England, the south west, Wales, Ireland and north western Scotland.
Global distributionAbundant around south west Europe and the Mediterranean and also found in Denmark (Hayward & Ryland, 1995b; Tendal & Nielsen, 1997).
Biogeographic rangeNot researchedDepth rangeCaryophyllia smithii var clavus can be found at >1000 m depth (Manuel, 1988).
MigratoryNon-migratory / Resident
Distribution Additional InformationNone entered
Substratum preferencesBedrock, Large to very large boulders, Cobbles, Other species (see additional information)Physiographic preferences
Biological zoneWave exposure
Tidal stream strength/Water flowSalinity
Habitat Additional InformationIt is found on hard bits in sandy areas, mud between boulders etc. (Wilson, 1975). The upper limit of Caryophyllia smithii var clavus is determined by water turbulence as this form is susceptible to dislodgement due to its narrow base. However, free living forms are often found on the seabed as a result of such breakage (Manuel, 1988). Generally smaller size with increased sedimentation although taller height to escape smothering (Bell & Turner, 2000).
AMBI Group (Borja et al., 2000)I 
Distribution References Hayward & Ryland, 1995b, Hayward et al., 1996, Gibson et al., 2001, Howson & Picton, 1999, Manuel, 1988, Manuel, 1983, Hiscock & Howlett, 1976, Tendal & Nielsen, 1997, Wilson, 1975, Fish & Fish, 1996
Reproduction/Life History
Reproductive typeGonochoristic Developmental mechanismPlanktotrophic
Reproductive SeasonJanuary-MarchReproductive LocationInsufficient information
Reproductive frequencyAnnual episodic Regeneration potentialNo
Life span11-20 yearsAge at reproductive maturityInsufficient information
Generation timeInsufficient informationFecundityInsufficient information
Egg/propagule sizeInsufficient informationFertilization typeExternal
Larvae/Juveniles
Larval/Juvenile dispersal potential>10kmLarval settlement periodInsufficient information
Duration of larval stage1-6 months  
Additional InformationIn a laboratory, sperm and ova were produced over a two week period in February for several years (Hiscock & Howlett, 1976). Bell (2002) reported a reproductive season between January and March in Lough Hyne, Ireland and settlement between March and June.
Reproduction References Bell, 2002, Tranter et al., 1982