What is another word for stony coral?
Pronunciation: [stˈə͡ʊni kˈɒɹə͡l] (IPA) 
Stony corals, also known as hard corals, are the building blocks of coral reefs. They consist of calcium carbonate skeletons and are characterized by their hard, rock-like appearance. There are several synonyms for stony coral, including Scleractinia, reef-building corals, and stony polyps. Scleractinia is a scientific term that refers to the stony corals' ability to produce sclerites, or small calcareous structures. Reef-building corals are another synonym for stony coral because they are instrumental in the formation of coral reefs. Stony polyps are yet another synonym, which refers to the coral polyps that make up the coral colonies. Regardless of the name, stony corals play an essential role in the marine ecosystem and are a vital component of healthy oceans.
