It is monotypic with the single species Fungia fungites, which is found growing on reefs in the Indo-Pacific.

The juveniles attach themselves to rock but larger individuals detach themselves and become free living.

They are found in various bright colours including white, pink, red, purple, blue and yellow and are popular with keepers of reef aquariums.

The discs are either round or oval and the central mouth, which is surrounded by tentacles, may be a slit.

Fungia fungites may be confused with specimens of the related genus Cycloseris but the latter are always free living, even as juveniles, while the former bear a scar showing where they were attached when young.