Brain coral colony
A brain coral colony is a living mound-shaped formation of coral polyps that secrete a grooved, dome-like calcium carbonate skeleton.
Also known as: massive brain coral, brain coral head
How big is it?
1.5 m across
Also 4.921 ft
Defined colony diameter · defined specimen
Typical recorded range: 60 cm to 2 m.
A little perspective
About the same scale as Gorgonian sea fan.
Gorgonian sea fan: A gorgonian sea fan is a colony of small coral-like animals supported by a branching, fan-shaped skeleton.
Measurements, assumptions & sources +
Brain coral colony
A defined massive brain-coral colony 1.5 m across with a 900 kg wet skeletal mass. Species, growth form and cavities vary; the living grooved dome, not attached reef rock, defines the diameter.
Smithsonian Ocean — Corals and coral reefs
The marked defined colony diameter is calibrated. Unmeasured illustration details are representative.
Gorgonian sea fan
A defined mature gorgonian sea-fan colony 1.5 m high and 1.2 m wide. Species, current exposure and breakage produce highly variable branching forms; the holdfast is included and attached reef rock is excluded.
Smithsonian Ocean — Corals and coral reefs
The marked defined colony height is calibrated. Unmeasured illustration details are representative.
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Why this measurement?
Why we use 1.5 m
For comparison, this page uses defined colony diameter. This is labelled defined specimen: an explicit comparison model rather than a claim that every example has the same value. The recorded range is 60 cm to 2 m.
A defined massive brain-coral colony 1.5 m across with a 900 kg wet skeletal mass. Species, growth form and cavities vary; the living grooved dome, not attached reef rock, defines the diameter.
The marked horizontal span follows the named feature; transparent margins and unmeasured details do not alter it. How calibrated comparisons work →
Recorded properties
Brain coral colony dimensions and measurements
| Property | Selected value | Recorded range | Basis |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1.5 m | 60 cm to 2 m | defined specimen | |
| 900 kg | 200 kg to 1.8 t | defined specimen |
Around this scale
Go smaller. Go bigger.
These links use compatible length records, ordered around the selected value.
Nearest lower value · Living thingsGiant barrel sponge1.2 mA giant barrel sponge is a large, hollow marine animal that filters food particles from seawater through its porous body.
Around the same scale · Living thingsGorgonian sea fan1.5 mA gorgonian sea fan is a colony of small coral-like animals supported by a branching, fan-shaped skeleton.
Nearest higher value · Living thingsElkhorn coral colony2 mAn elkhorn coral colony is a branching formation of the coral species Acropora palmata, found in shallow Caribbean reefs.Sources and method
Want to check the number?
The source records and measurement method remain available for inspection.
- Smithsonian Ocean — Corals and coral reefsMassive coral colony anatomy and growth; the atlas uses a defined grooved dome specimen.
There’s always another scale
Follow your curiosity.
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