Corallimorph mouths
![Corallimorph mouths](https://d9-wret.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/assets/palladium/production/s3fs-public/styles/full_width/public/thumbnails/image/lubeck%20%281%29.jpg?itok=bGH5XvMg)
Detailed Description
The arrows in this image point to mouths of individual corallimorphs, which are a type of invasive anemone that typically thrives in coral reefs that have been degraded by environmental or man-made disturbances. Each corallimorph mouth is surrounded by a corona of tentacles.
Coral reefs are prone to phase shifts where they quickly transition from coral-dominated to a uniformity of other organisms, typically algae. The Palmyra Atoll National Wildlife Refuge in the Central Pacific is a unique case where a transition from corals to corallimorphs occurred. USGS scientists discovered the Palmyra corallimorph infestation at a shipwreck site in 2008.
Sources/Usage
Public Domain.