Micromussa lordhowensis is a hermaphrodite and a broadcast spawner. The larvae form part of the plankton and drift with the ocean currents, eventually settling on the seabed. In an experiment designed to find out how long the larvae could survive, Micromussa lordhowensis larvae were reared in an aquarium. It was found that the larvae could remain alive in the water after they were fully developed for up to a further 78 days before settling. In the ocean, this allows the larvae to disperse widely and have greater chances of finding optimum sites for settling Acan Coral Care
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The polyps of Micromussa lordhowensis are large and fleshy. When the tentacles are extended, they search for zooplankton and small invertebrates which are transferred to the mouth when caught. Another source of energy is the symbiotic dinoflagellates, microscopic algae that live within the coral's tissues and which produce nutrients by photosynthesis. The coral is able to benefit from the carbohydrates produced by the algae and the algae for their part make use of the coral's nitrogenous waste products.[7] Micromussa lordhowensis is an aggressive species of coral and defends itself against the possibility of being overshadowed. At night some polyps extend long filaments which secrete enzymes which digest the cells of other organisms with which they come in contact.[4]