Fungiidae we do find both kinds, but some species are rather difficult to place in either of the two groups. As a general rule, corals with one mouth only are called solitary while those with many mouths are called colonial. The majority of fungiids are solitary corals. Most species in the largest genus Fungia , have one mouth only, but the species Fungia simplex always has several mouths. The closely related species Fungia echinata does, however, only have one single mouth.
Abnormal developments can also result in the development of an unusual number of mouths.
It is accepted that the solitary corals are the oldest evolutionary form and that colonial forms have evolved from the solitary form. The Fungiidae does also contain one hermatypic genus - Fungiacyathus . Altogether this family contains a number of highly interesting species some of which are very durable in the reef aquarium. I know that most aquarists take little notice of what name a coral has. To most of us it does not matter weather a coral is Fungia danai or Fungia fungites .