hermatypic
/ˌhɜrməˈtɪpɪk/
adjective
- Describing corals that build reefs by secreting calcium carbonate skeletons.
- Hermatypic corals are essential for the formation of tropical coral reefs.
- The health of hermatypic coral depends on clear, warm water and sunlight.
- Marine biologists monitor hermatypic coral populations to assess reef ecosystem health.