[5] Like all stony corals, P. cylindrica consists of very small polyps (1-3mm) that secrete calcium carbonate, with which they build a skeleton.

Over time, entire colonies of reef-building corals can grow large, (weighing several tons), and create structural habitats.

[11] The coral obtains its nutrients through its mutualistic relationship with the algae zooxanthellae, which acts as the cornerstone for its ecological role.

[10] P. cylindrica, as a reef-building coral, assists in providing key reef habitats for many species of fish, invertebrates, plants, sea turtles, birds, and marine mammals.

[10] P. cylindrica is an ideal species for coral rehabilitation efforts because they are able to tolerate environmental extremes and successfully disperse via fragmentation.

When exposed to elevated levels of carbon dioxide, their rates of respiration and photosynthesis experience a significant decrease.

As sea water temperatures continue to rise, zooxanthellae struggle to adapt, often resulting in coral bleaching.

[13] Sea water temperatures above 34°C pose risks to zooxanthellae populations, which in turn cause the coral to become increasingly susceptible to disease and death.