Coral lecture (@ PLUS SS 2014) 1/58

Scleractinian Coral Taxonomy

Pierre MADL
in cooperation with
Robert SCHABETSBERGER & Cetka LIPOVNIK

Web-References: http://coral.aims.gov.au/info/about.jsp or http://coral.aims.gov.au/info/search.jsp

http://biophysics.sbg.ac.at/coral/family.htm or http://biophysics.sbg.ac.at/reefs/reefs.htm
http://eol.org/

http://macinivnw.deviantart.com/art/Coral-Reef-and-Tropical-Fish-in-Sunlight-377307367

http://biophysics.sbg.ac.at/talk/coral-lecture.pdf
 Coral lecture (@ PLUS SS 2014) 2/58

Position of Scleractinia within the phylum Cnidaria

Mather & Benett (1994)

Global diversity of Scleractinian Coral Species

http://biophysics.sbg.ac.at/talk/coral-lecture.pdf
 Coral lecture (@ PLUS SS 2014) 3/58

Coral Colony Morphology found on modern reefs

http://biophysics.sbg.ac.at/talk/coral-lecture.pdf
 Coral lecture (@ PLUS SS 2014) 4/58

Corallite Arrangement

http://biophysics.sbg.ac.at/talk/coral-lecture.pdf
 Coral lecture (@ PLUS SS 2014) 5/58

Key features of Corallite Morphology

Left:
Patterns of asexual reproduction
extratentacular budding
among stony corals used for
taxonomic indentification
Right:
(e.g. Faviidae)
Intratentacular budding

http://biophysics.sbg.ac.at/talk/coral-lecture.pdf
 Coral lecture (@ PLUS SS 2014) 6/58

Selected extant skeletal specimens from the Class Anthozoa – Order Scleractinia & few from the Class Octocorallia

Family Acroporidae: (Gk. akron, extremity, summit; L. porous, Key to the family Acroporidae
pore)....relating to the presence of a corallite at the tip of each branch. No axial corallite
Indo-Pacific genera:----------------------------- Corallites <2mm in diameter, columella absent
Anacropora (Gk. an-, without; akron, extremity; L. porus, Branches without basal structures: Genus
pore), Anacropora
Astreopora (Gk. aster, star; L. porus, pore) Branches with basal structures: Genus
Circum-tropical genera:------------------------- Montipora
Montipora (L. mons, mountain; porus, pore), Corallites obvious (>2mm), columella present: Genus
Acropora (Gk. akron, extremity; L. porus, pore) Astreopora
Axial corallites on branch ends: Genus Acropora

Montipora sp. oder M.corbettensis

Growth form: leafy, encrusting, semi-massive, rarely branched; Corallite wall: no projections; Corallite arrangement: randomly distributed,
sometimes crowded; Coenosteum: porous with prominent tubercles; Verrucae: none; Septa: rudimentary, if visible in 2 cycles; Skeleton:
perforate, spongy; Columella: absent
http://coral.aims.gov.au/factsheet.jsp?speciesCode=0249

http://biophysics.sbg.ac.at/talk/coral-lecture.pdf
 Coral lecture (@ PLUS SS 2014) 7/58

Acropora valida
Growth form: branching (caespitose, bottlebrush, aborescent), encrusting or sub-massive; Corallite: bimodal (dominant axial & secondary radial);
0.5-4 mm in diameter (dominant apical corallites), rarely superficial, generally exsert by 2-5 mm, porous walls; Corallite arrangement: well
spaced, about 1-5 mm in range; Coenosteum: porous; Verrucae: none; Septa: often poorly developed but usually 12 or less; septal margins smooth
or granular, occasionally with irregular small teeth; Skeleton: porous; Columella: absent s/t very minute)
http://coral.aims.gov.au/factsheet.jsp?speciesCode=0077

http://biophysics.sbg.ac.at/talk/coral-lecture.pdf
 Coral lecture (@ PLUS SS 2014) 8/58

Acropora palmata
Growth form: branching, aborescent, bifacial; Corallite: 1-3 mm diameter, porous with distinct wall; Corallite arrangement: randomly scattered;
Coenosteum: porous; Verrucae: none; Septa: rudimentary
http://coral.aims.gov.au/factsheet.jsp?speciesCode=0899

http://biophysics.sbg.ac.at/talk/coral-lecture.pdf
 Coral lecture (@ PLUS SS 2014) 9/58

Family Astrocoeniidae: (Gk. aster, star; koinos, shared)…. most likely Key to the family Astrocoeniidae
relating to the shared walls of each calice.
Indo-Pacific genera:----------------------------- Colonies encrusting, corallites inconspicuous
Stylocoeniella (Gk. stylos, pillar; koinos, shared; L. –ellus, Coenosteum style present: Genus Stylocoeniella
diminuitive suffix) , No coenosteum style: Genus Stephanocoenia
Palauastrea (Island of Palau, location first found; Gk. aster, star) Colonies becoming branching, corallites conspicuous
Circum-tropic genus:----------------------------- Septa with free margins: Genus Palauastrea
Madracis (madre, mother; Gk. akis, point) Septa fused with columella: Genus Madracis
Atlantic genus:-------------------------------------
Stephanocoenia (Gk. stephos, crown; koinos, shared)

Stylocoeniella sp. possibly S.guentheri

Growth form: small encrusting or knobby; Corallite: immersed, circular & 1 mm in diameter; Corallite arrangement: well spaced;
Coenosteum: rough, covered with small intercorallite pillars protrudes b/w calices; Septa: 6x2 septa, their margins beaded, septocostae
absent; Skeleton: imperforate; Columella: small & styliform
http://coral.aims.gov.au/factsheet.jsp?speciesCode=0344

http://biophysics.sbg.ac.at/talk/coral-lecture.pdf
Coral lecture (@ PLUS SS 2014) 10/58

http://biophysics.sbg.ac.at/talk/coral-lecture.pdf
 Coral lecture (@ PLUS SS 2014) 11/58

Family Pocilloporidae: (L. pocillum, cup, bowl; L. porous, pore)…. Key to the family Pocilloporidae
Presumably relating to the appearance of the callices, which look like
tiny, little shallow cups. Colonies have verrucae: Genus Pocillopora
Indo-Pacific genera only:----------------------- Colonies do not have verrucae
Pocillopora (L. pocillum, cup or bowl; porus, pore), Branches fine (<10mm diameter): Genus Seriatopora
Seriatopora (L. seriatus, arranged in series; porus, pore), Branches robust (>10mm diameter): Genus Stylophora
Stylophora (Gk. stylus, pillar; Gk. phero, to bear)

Pocillopora damicornis
Growth form: sturdy branched colony w/ fine & irregular tips; Corallite wall: no projections; Corallite arrangement: immersed, crowded &
hollow; Coenosteum: granulous; Verrucae: present, s/t very dominant & branch-like; Septa: if present then 12 poorly developed; Skeleton:
imperforate; Columella: tiny & styliform
http://coral.aims.gov.au/factsheet.jsp?speciesCode=0307

http://biophysics.sbg.ac.at/talk/coral-lecture.pdf
 Coral lecture (@ PLUS SS 2014) 12/58

Pocillopora sp.
Growth form: sub-massive to branched colony w/ stout tips; Corallite wall: no projections; Calice arrangement: crowded & hollow;
Coenosteum: granulous; Verrucae: present, s/t very dominant & branch-like; Septa: if then 12 poorly developed; Skeleton: imperforate;
Columella: tiny & styliform
http://coral.aims.gov.au/factsheet.jsp?speciesCode=0307

Seriatopora hystrix
Growth form: slender, up to 150 mm long anastomosing (fusing) branches, few mm thick; Corallite wall: rare, w/ small hoods; Corallite
arrangement: in rows & well spaced; Coenosteum: w/ small tubercules; Verrucae: none; Septa: if , 1x6 poorly developed; Skeleton: n.a.;
Columella: well-expressed & platelike
http://coral.aims.gov.au/factsheet.jsp?speciesCode=0342

http://biophysics.sbg.ac.at/talk/coral-lecture.pdf
 Coral lecture (@ PLUS SS 2014) 13/58

Seriatopora sp.
Growth form: slender branches, few mm thick; Corallite wall: rare, w/ small hoods; Corallite arrangement: in rows & well spaced;
Coenosteum: w/ small tubercules; Verrucae: none; Septa: if, 1x6 poorly developed; Skeleton: n.a.; Columella: well-expressed & platelike
http://coral.aims.gov.au/factsheet.jsp?speciesCode=0342

Stylophora sp. possibly S.danae

Growth form: sub-massive to knobby w/ sturdy, s/t anastomosing branches; Corallite wall: arched w/ hoods on distal part of branch; Corallite
arrangement: immersed on proximal part of branch, plocoid to loosely distributed; Coenosteum: dotted w/ spiculi; Verrucae: none; Septa:
typically 12 with only 6 well developed; Skeleton: imperforate; Columella: styliform
http://coral.aims.gov.au/factsheet.jsp?speciesCode=0885

http://biophysics.sbg.ac.at/talk/coral-lecture.pdf
 Coral lecture (@ PLUS SS 2014) 14/58

Stylophora sp. possibly S.subseriata

Growth form: sturdy, s/t anastomosing branches about 5 mm thick; Corallite wall: crowned w/ spiculi, some quote dominant as stylus;
Corallite arrangement: plocoid; Coenosteum: dotted w/ spiculi; Verrucae: none; Septa: typically 24 dominat primary cycle; Skeleton:
imperforate; Columella: distinct & styliform
http://coral.aims.gov.au/factsheet.jsp?speciesCode=0883

http://biophysics.sbg.ac.at/talk/coral-lecture.pdf
 Coral lecture (@ PLUS SS 2014) 15/58

Family Euphyllidae: (Gk. eu-, true; Gk. phyllon, leaf)…. possibly Key to the family Euphyllidae
relating to the prominent leafy septa.
Indo-Pacific genera only:---------------------- Colonies do not have vesicles extended during daytime
Euphyllia (Gk. ei-, true; phyllon, leaf), Colonies have V-shaped valleys: Genus Catalaphyllia
Catalaphyllia (named after R. Catala; Gk. phyllon, leaf), Colonies do not have V-shaped valleys
Nemenzophyllia (?; Gk phyllon, leaf), Colonies have tentacles: Genus Euphyllia
Plerogyra (Gk. pleres, full; gyrus, circle), Colonies have mantles: Genus Nemenzophyllia
Physogyra (Gk. physa, air bubble; gyrus, circle) Colonies have vesicles or mantles extended during daytime
Colonies not massive: Genus Plerogyra
Colonies massive: Genus Plysogyra

http://biophysics.sbg.ac.at/talk/coral-lecture.pdf
 Coral lecture (@ PLUS SS 2014) 16/58

Family Oculinidae: (L. oculus, eye; L. –ina, like) …. presumably Key to the family Oculinidae
relating to the eye-like appearance of the calices. Septa <2mm exsert
Altlantic genera:----------------------------------- Colony branching
Oculina (L. oculus, eye; -ina, suffix denoting likeness) Budding intratentacular: Genus Oculina
Schizoculina (Gk. schizos, split; L. oculus, eye) Budding extratentacular: Genus Schizoculina
Indo-Pacific genera: Colony not branching: Genus Simplastrea
Simplastrea (L. epten, simple; Gk. aster, star), Septa >2mm exsert: Genus Galaxea
Schizoculina (Gk. schizos, split; L. oculus, eye),
Galaxea (Gk. galaxaios, milky)

Galaxea sp. probably G.fascicularis

Growth form: usually massive, s/t columnar to cushion-shaped, occasionally branched; Corallite wall: well spaced, generally tall and thin-
walled; Corallite arrangement: plocoid & exsert, usually about 3-5 mm in diameter (G.fascicularis: 10 mm); Coenosteum: cellular; Septa:
prominent and exsert, leafy but delicate, numerous reach the center, margins smooth; Skeleton: perforate; Columella: absent or weak; Budding:
extratentacular
http://coral.aims.gov.au/factsheet.jsp?speciesCode=0185

http://biophysics.sbg.ac.at/talk/coral-lecture.pdf
 Coral lecture (@ PLUS SS 2014) 17/58

Galaxea sp. probably G.cryptoramosa

Growth form: phaceloid, columnar, occasionally branched; Corallite wall: well spaced, generally tall and thin-walled; Corallite arrangement:
plocoid & exsert, usually about 3-8 mm in diameter; Coenosteum: smooth; Septa: prominent and exsert, numerous reach the center, margins
smooth; Skeleton: perforate; Columella: absent or weak; Budding: extratentacular
http://coral.aims.gov.au/factsheet.jsp?speciesCode=0846

http://biophysics.sbg.ac.at/talk/coral-lecture.pdf
 Coral lecture (@ PLUS SS 2014) 18/58

Family Meandrinidae: (Gk. maiandros, windig; L. ina, like)…. a Key to the family Meandrinidae
reference to the winding valleys. Colony not phaceloid
Indo-Pacific genera:----------------------------- Colony meandroid
Ctenella (Gk. ktenos, comb; L. –ella, relating to the septa), Valleys convoluted
Gyrosmilia (Gk. gyros, round; smilion, knife), Colony hemispherical: Genus Ctenella
Montigyra (L. mons, mountain; Gk. gyros, round) Colony columnar: Genus Dendrogyra
Altlantic genera:----------------------------------- Valleys not convoluted
Meandrina (Gk. meandros, winding; L. –ina, denoting Columella present: Genus Meandrina
likeness), Columellae absent: Genus Gyrosmilia
Dichocoenia (Gk. dicha, divided into two; koinos, to share), Colony not meandroid
Dendrogyra (Gk. dendron, tree; gyros, round), Colony plocoid: Genus Dichocoenia
Eusmilia (Gk. eu, true; smilion, knife), Colony not plocoid: Genus Montigyra
Colony phaceloid: Genus Caryophylliidae

Gyrosmilia interrupta
Growth form: sub-massive to laminar; Corallite wall: characteristic radiating valleys with mid-ridge to mid-ridge distance approx. 6-10 mm;
Corallite arrangement: meandering, joined laterally throughout the colony (ridges shared with its neighbors); Coenosteum: cellular;
Septa: uniformly spaced, approx. 10 septa per cm, exsert, margins non-dentate & smooth; Skeleton: imperforate; Columella: none;
http://coral.aims.gov.au/factsheet.jsp?speciesCode=0449

http://biophysics.sbg.ac.at/talk/coral-lecture.pdf
 Coral lecture (@ PLUS SS 2014) 19/58

Dichocoenia stokesi
Growth form: massive to sub-massive; Corallite wall: distinct; Corallite arrangement: plocoid, 3-8 mm in diameter, distinctly separated;
Coenosteum:; Septa: 2 alternating cycles, margins smooth, no paliform lobes; Skeleton: solid; Columella: plate-like; Budding: intratentacular
http://coral.aims.gov.au/factsheet.jsp?speciesCode=0572

Dendrogyra cylindrus
Growth form: cylindriform; Corallite wall:; Corallite arrangement: corallites fuse to meanders, width mid-ridge to mid-ridge 5-6 mm;
Coenosteum: septo-costae very thick; Septa: 6-7 septa/cm in 2 cycles, leafy, margins very smooth; Skeleton:; Columella:;
http://coral.aims.gov.au/factsheet.jsp?speciesCode=0571

http://biophysics.sbg.ac.at/talk/coral-lecture.pdf
 Coral lecture (@ PLUS SS 2014) 20/58

Eusmilia fastigiata
Growth form: flabellate, attached; Corallite wall: thin; Corallite arrangement: several meandering that are laterally free; i.e. each ridge
separated from its neighbour by deep and distinctive groove; Coenosteum: rough; Septa: exsert, margins smooth, costae rudimentary;
Skeleton: imperforate; Columella: spongy;
http://coral.aims.gov.au/factsheet.jsp?speciesCode=0577

http://biophysics.sbg.ac.at/talk/coral-lecture.pdf
 Coral lecture (@ PLUS SS 2014) 21/58

Family Siderastreidae: (L. sideris, star; Gk. aster, star)….relating to Key to the family Siderastreidae
the regular star-like arrangement of the calices and septa. Corallite walls well defined
Circumtropical genus:--------------------- Colony plocoid: Genus Horastrea
Siderastrea (Gk. sideriss, star; aster, star), Colony not plocoid
Indo-Pacific genera:------------------------------------ Colony cerioid
Pseudosiderastrea (Gk. pseudo, false; sideris, star; aster, star), Septal teeth saw-like: Genus
Psammocora (Gk. psammos, sand; kore, pupil of the eye), Pseudosiderastrea
Coscinaraea (Gk. koskinos, sieve; araios, thin, porous) Septal teeth not saw-like: Genus
Indian Ocean genera:--------------------------- Siderastrea
Horastrea (Malagasy word hora, coral; Gk. aster, star) Colony not cerioid: Genus Anomastraea
Anomastraea (Gk. anomos, irregular, unequal; aster, star) Corallite walls not well defined
Corallites < 3 mm diameter: Genus Psammocora
Corallites > 3 mm diameter: Genus Coscinaraea

Siderastrea sp. possibly S.savignyana

Growth form: small massive (boulder) to encrusting colonies; Corallite wall: shared walls, wide & often with midline; Corallite arrangement:
cerioid, 2-4 mm regular, rounded to cerioid (polygonal); Coenosteum: -; Septa: in 2 cycles, approx. 30 for a 3mm calice w/ every other fused at
center, septa perforated, margins dentate, synapticulae present; Skeleton: solid; Columella: few pinules
http://coral.aims.gov.au/factsheet.jsp?speciesCode=0485

http://biophysics.sbg.ac.at/talk/coral-lecture.pdf
 Coral lecture (@ PLUS SS 2014) 22/58

Siderastrea sp. S.siderea

Growth form: small massive (boulder) to encrusting colonies; Corallite wall: shared walls, wide & often with midline; Corallite arrangement:
cerioid, 2-4 mm regular, rounded to cerioid (polygonal); Coenosteum: -; Septa: in 2 cycles, approx. 30 for a 3mm calice w/ every other fused at
center, septa perforated, margins dentate, synapticulae present; Skeleton: solid; Columella: few pinules
http://coral.aims.gov.au/factsheet.jsp?speciesCode=0613

Psammocora sp. possibly P.nierstraszi

Growth form: massive, sub-massive, encrusting; Corallite wall: steep, often several calices grouped together forming almost meandering
valleys; Corallite arrangement: 2 mm rounded with indistinct outline; Coenosteum: -; Septa: branch & ramify, petaloid, non-fusing, seldom
>10 reach columella, synapticular rings well developed; Skeleton: -; Columella: groups of pinnules,
http://coral.aims.gov.au/factsheet.jsp?speciesCode=0333

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 Coral lecture (@ PLUS SS 2014) 23/58

Psammocora contigua
Growth form: sub-massive w/ flattened branches, nodular, columnar; Corallite wall: none; Calice arrangement: shallow, 0.5-0.8 mm with
indistinct outline; Coenosteum: -; Septa: <10, slightly petaloid, non-fusing, synapticular rings developed; Skeleton: -; Columella: syliform
http://coral.aims.gov.au/factsheet.jsp?speciesCode=0329

Coscinaraea monile
Growth form: <30cm, dome-shaped to encrusting, partly foliaceous; Corallite wall: low to high and thick walls, often surrounded by collines,
no midline; Corallite arrangement: calices polycentric, 2-7 mm rounded or irregular across short valleys; Coenosteum: fused septo-costae;
Septa: 20-30 septa per calice with some fused at center, margins dentated, synapticulae present; Skeleton: -; Columella: w/ pinnules
http://coral.aims.gov.au/factsheet.jsp?speciesCode=0385

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 Coral lecture (@ PLUS SS 2014) 24/58

Family Agariciidae: (Gk. agarikon, mushroom)…. possibly relating to Key to the family Agariciidae
the the growth form, which can be flattened like a mushroom. Colony not massive
Indo-Pacific genera:----------------------------- Corallite centers discernible
Pavona (L. pavo, peacock), Polyps aligned between collines
Coeloseris (Gk. koilos, hollow; seris, lettuce), Corallites w/o individual walls: Genus Agaricia
Gardineroseris (named after S.Gardiner; Gk. seris, lettuce), Corallites with individ. walls: Genus Leptoseris
Pachyseris (Gk. pachys, thick; seris, lettuce) Polyps not aligned between collines: Genus Pavona
Circumtropical genus:--------------------- Corallite centers not discernible: Genus Pachyseris
Leptoseris (Gk. leptos, slender; Gk. seris, lettuce) Colony massive
Atlantic genera:----------------------------- Corallites in concavities: Genus Gardineroseris
Agaricia (Gk. agarikon, muschroom) Corallites not in concavities: Genus Coeloseris
Helioseris (Gk. helios, sun; I>seris, lettuce)

Pavona sp. possibly P.diffluens

Growth form: foliaceous to encrusting and massive; Corallite wall: lacking, collines may enclose several calices; Corallite arrangement:
densely packed, 2-3mm in diameter, round to oval, s/t even elongate, polygonal; Coenosteum: exsert septo-costae, continous b/w centers,
strongly alternating; Septa:, petaloid and alternating, margins smooth; Skeleton: imperforate; Columella: styliform
http://coral.aims.gov.au/factsheet.jsp?speciesCode=0697

http://biophysics.sbg.ac.at/talk/coral-lecture.pdf
 Coral lecture (@ PLUS SS 2014) 25/58

Gardineroseris planulata
Growth form: columnar to massive, s/t laminar edges; Corallite wall: poorly defined, polycentric calices, forming U-shaped valleys; Calice
arrangement: 2-5 mm polygonal, irregular or elongate; Coenosteum: septo-costae interconnect calices; Septa: narrow, granulated, continous
b/w centers, margins smoothly serrated, synapticulae often present; Skeleton: -; Columella: none
http://coral.aims.gov.au/factsheet.jsp?speciesCode=0186

Pachyseris gemmae
Growth form: large, foliaceous (unifacial) to massive; Corallite wall: distinct, collines with calices in valleys; Corallite arrangement:
indistinct, if visible 2-5 mm in series; Coenosteum: wavy septo-costae forming collines; Septa: 40 parallel & alternating septa per cm, margins
finely serrated; Skeleton: imperforate; Columella: fused w/ septo-costae
http://coral.aims.gov.au/factsheet.jsp?speciesCode=0486

http://biophysics.sbg.ac.at/talk/coral-lecture.pdf
 Coral lecture (@ PLUS SS 2014) 26/58

Leptoseris explanata
Growth form: unifacial leafy to encrusting; Corallite wall: collines s/t present, enclosing series of mouths; Corallite arrangement: 2-5 mm in
series, loosely scattered & inclined t/w colony perimeter; Coenosteum: septo-costae interconnect calices; Septa: alternating & uninterrupted b/w
centers, margins finely serrated, synapticulae rare; Skeleton: solid; Columella: tongue-like
http://coral.aims.gov.au/factsheet.jsp?speciesCode=0225

Agaricia agaricites
Growth form:; Corallite wall: on corallite level s/t inconspicuous, among groups present, among larger groups even dominant & raised; calices
> 2mm in diameter; Corallite arrangement: rounded to polygonal & densly packed, s/t to sieries; Coenosteum: costae run uninterrupted b/w
centers; minutely dentated; Septa: 2 cycles; Skeleton: solid; Columella: solid to tongue-like; Budding: intratentacular
http://coral.aims.gov.au/factsheet.jsp?speciesCode=0561

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 Coral lecture (@ PLUS SS 2014) 27/58

Family Fungiidae: (L. fungus, mushroom)…. describing the Key to the family Fungiidae
mushroom-like appearance of many young specimens. Not colonial
Free living
Indo-Pacific genera:----------------------------- Central mouth dominant
Cycloseris (Gk. kyklos, circle; seris, lettuce), Disc small, costae inconspicuous
Diaseris (Gk. dias-, across, through; seris, lettuce), Disc entire: Genus Cycloseris
Disc partitioned in segments: Genus Diaseris
Cantharellus (Gk. cantharus, amphora), Disc not small, costae conspicuous
Heliofungia (Gk. helios, sun; L. fungus, mushroom), Septal teeth w/ small lobes: Genus Fungia
Fungia (L. fungus, mushroom), Septal teeth w/ large lobes: Genus Heliofungia
Axial furrow dominant: Genus Ctenactis
Ctenactis (Gk. ktenos, comb), Attached to substrate: Genus Cantharellus
Herpolitha (Gk. herpo, to creep; litha, stone), Colonial
Polyphyllia (Gk. polys, many; phyllon, leaf), Colony free living
Axial furrow indistinct: Genus Herpolitha
Sandalolitha (Gk. sandalon, flat-fish; lithos,stone), Axial furrow indistinct or absent
Halomitra (Gk. halos, sea; mitra, cap), Septo-costae petaloid: Genus Polyphyllia
Zoopilus (Gk. zoos, animal; L. pileus, cap), Septo-costae not petaloid
Corallites robust & crowded: Genus Sandalolitha
Lithophyllon (Gk. lithos, stone; phyllon, leaf), Corallites not robust or crowded
Podabacia (Gk. podos, foot; L. baca, berry-like) Colonies form delicate domes: Gen. Zoopilus
Colonies not delicate domes: Gen. Halomitra
Colony attached to substrate
Colony mostly encrusting: Genus Lithophyllon
Colony mostly explanate: Genus Podabacia
Cycloseris sp (juvenile w/ broken stylus)
Growth form: disc-like, flattened & solitary; Calice arrangement: spherical to oval; Coenosteum: -; Septa: alternating in 4 cycles and smooth
and radiate from center of corallum to its outer perimeter; Costae: dentated; Skeleton: perforated; Columella: spongy
http://coral.aims.gov.au/factsheet.jsp?speciesCode=0126

http://biophysics.sbg.ac.at/talk/coral-lecture.pdf
 Coral lecture (@ PLUS SS 2014) 28/58

Fungia klunzingeri evtl. F.scabra

Growth form: disc-like, domed & solitary, 2-50 cm or more in diameter or length; Calice arrangement: spherical to oval; Coenosteum: -;
Septa: alternating in 3 cycles and finely dentaded, radiate from center to perimeter of corallum; Costae: finely granulated; Columella: spongy
http://coral.aims.gov.au/factsheet.jsp?speciesCode=0176
http://coral.aims.gov.au/factsheet.jsp?speciesCode=0180

http://biophysics.sbg.ac.at/talk/coral-lecture.pdf
 Coral lecture (@ PLUS SS 2014) 29/58

Family Rhizangiidae: (Gk. rhizon, root)…. probably relating to the polyps that are linked to neighboring polyps by rootles
Atlantic genus:-------------------------------
Astrangia (?. ?, ?)

Key to the family Rhizangiidae

Genus Astrangia
Genus Colangia
Genus Culicia

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 Coral lecture (@ PLUS SS 2014) 30/58

Family Pectiniidae: (Gk. pectinis, comb)…. probably relating to the Key to the family Pectiniidae
comb-like appearance of the walls, which are often tall, thin and
striated. Corallites are more conspicuous than coenostial structures
Indo-Pacific genera:----------------------------- Non-colonial: Genus Echinomorpha
Echinophyllia (Gk. echinos, hedgehog, spiny; phyllon, leaf), Colonial genera
Echinomorpha (Gk. echinos, hedgehog, spiny; morphus, Coenostial pits present: Genus Oxypora
figure, shape), Coenostial pits absent
Oxypora (Gk. ox, sharp; porous, pore), Corallites not inclined: Genus Echinophyllia
Mycedium (Gk. mykes, knobbed; -idion, diminutive suffix), Corallites inclined: Genus Mycedium
Pectinia (Gk. pectinis, comb) Coenostial structures very conspicuous: Genus Pectinia

Echinophyllia aspera
Growth form: usually unifacial-foliaceous or encrusting, occasionally semi-massive; central part hillocky and sub-massive, periphery s/t
contorted and whorl-like; Corallite wall: protruding with vertical walls; Corallite arrangement: calice diameter 5-10 mm (range 3-20 mm),
loosely scattered & well spaced; Coenosteum: perforated next to calices, costae toothed; Septa: widely spaced, margins with irregular sharp teeth;
Skeleton: without pores or slits; Columella: twisted trabeculae
http://coral.aims.gov.au/factsheet.jsp?speciesCode=0136

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Mycedium elephantotus
Growth form: usually unifacial-foliaceous or encrusting, occasionally partially branched fronds; Corallite wall: protruding with vertical walls;
Corallite arrangement: calice diameter 5-10 mm (range 3-20 mm), loosely scattered, well spaced, protruding & inclined towards perimeter;
Coenosteum: septo-costae interconnect calices & never pitted; Septa: widely spaced, margins with irregular sharp teeth; Skeleton: without pores
or slits; Columella: few twisted trabeculae
http://coral.aims.gov.au/factsheet.jsp?speciesCode=0282

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Family Merulinidae: (L. merus, pure; L. linea, line)…. outlining the Key to the family Merulinidae
entirely line-like appearance of the valleys.
Indo-Pacific genera:----------------------------- Monticules developed: Genus Hydnophora
Hydnophora (Gk. hydnon, tuber; phero, to bear), Monticules not developed
Paraclavarina (Gk. para, beside; L. clavarius, clublike), Colony consists of branches and/or laminae
Merulina (L. merus, pure; linea, line), No basal laminae: Genus Paraclavarina
Boninastrea (Japanes island of Bonin; Gk. aster, star), With basal laminae: Genus Merulina
Scaphophyllia (L. scapus, stalk, shaft; Gk.phyllon, leaf) Colony massive: Genus Boninastrea
Colony columnar: Genus Scapophyllia

Hydnophora microconos
Growth form: massive & rounded, s/t branched columns; Corallite wall: shared & projecting to discontinuous cones 2-3 mm in diameter
(hydnophorid); Calice arrangement: in branching and looping series 0.5 mm in diameter; Coenosteum: none; Septa: fused with columella;
Skeleton: imperforate; Columella: narrow, solid ridge
http://coral.aims.gov.au/factsheet.jsp?speciesCode=0216

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Family Dendrophylliidae: (Gk. dendron, tree; Gk. phyllon, leaf)…. Key to the family Dendrophylliidae
presumably relating to the branched, tree-like growth form of some Colony attached to substrate
species. Colony with fronds or encrusting: Genus Turbinaria
Indo-Pacific genera:----------------------------- Colony composed of branches
Turbinaria (L. turbinatus, cone-shaped; -aria, suffix denoting Branches subdivide: Genus Duncanopsammmia
resemblance), Branches do not subdivide: Genus
Duncanopsammia (?. ?, ?; Gk. psammon, sand), Balanophyllia
Rhizopsammia (Gk, rhiza, root; psammon, sand), Colony not attached to substrate: Genus Heteropsammia
Balanophyllia (Gk. balanos, acorn; phyllon, leaf),
Heteropsammia (Gk. heteros, unlike, different; psammon,
sand),
Circum-tropical genera:---------------------------
Tubastraea (L. tubus, tube; Gk. aster, star),
Dendrophyllia (Gk. dendron, tree; Gk. phyllon>, leaf)

Tubastraea micranthus
Growth form: branched in dendroid manner, tufts or tree-like growth; Corallite wall: exsert, s/t cup-shaped & porous; Calice arrangement:
corallites well spaced, with deep fossa & typically 5-10 mm in diameter; Coenosteum: porous w/ distinctly granulated structures that are
parallel oriented; Septa: visible even in living coral but seldomly united, i.e. fuse according to Pourtalès pattern; Skeleton: porous;
Columella: spongy
http://eol.org/pages/1006641/overview

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Family Caryophylliidae: (Gk. karyon, nucleus; Gk. phyllon, leaf)…. presumably relating to the knob-like appearance of the polyp and the leafy
septa.
Indo-Pacific genera:-----------------------------
Heterocyathus (Gk. heteros, different; khyatos, bowl),
Phyllangia (Gk. phyllon, leaf; angeion, vessel)

Key to the family Caryophylliidae

Genus Heteropyathus
Genus Phyllangia

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Family Mussidae: (L. mus, mouse) Key to the family Mussidae

Indo-Pacific genera:-----------------------------
Blastomussa (Gk. blastos, bud; mussa, a coral genus), Colonial
Micromussa (Gk. micros, small; mussa, a coral genus), Corallites <12mm diameter
Acanthastrea (Gk. akantha, thorn, prickle; aster, star), Colony phaceloid: Genus Blastomussa
Lobophyllia (Gk. lobos, lobe; phyllon, leaf), Colony Cerioid: Genus Micromussa
Symphyllia (Gk. syn-, together; phyllon, leaf), Corallites >12mm diameter
Indophyllia (first recorded in Indonesia; Gk. phyllon, leaf), Colony cerioid to subplocoid
Australomussa (L. australis, Australia; Gk. mussa, a coral Septal teeth pointed: Genus Acanthastrea
genus), Septal teeth beaded: Genus Mussismilia
Cynarina (Gk. kinara, an artichoke; L. –ina, suffix denoting Colony subplocoid to submeandroid: Genus Isophyllia
likeness) Colony phaceloid to flabello-meandroid
Circum-tropical genus:-------------------------- Corallites numerous: Genus Lobophyllia
Scolymia (Gk. skolymos, an artichoke) Corallites not numerous: Genus Mussa
Atlantic genera:----------------------------------- Colony meandroid
Mussa (L. mus, mouse), Septal teeth very prominent: Genus Symphyllia
Mussismilia (L. mus, mouse; epten , equal), sometimes Septal teeth not very prominent
termed Protomussa, Valleys mostly radiate: Genus Mycetophyllia
Isophyllia (G. isos, equal; phyllon, leaf), Valleys concentric: Genus Australomussa
Mycetophyllia (Gk. mycetos, knobbed; phyllon, leaf) Non Colonial
Septal teeth pointed: Genus Scolymia
Septal teeth lobed
Septal teeth very large: Genus Cynarina
Septal teeth not very large: Genus Indophyllia

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Blastomussa sp possibly B.merleti

Growth form: sub-plocoid but not distinctly phaceloid; Corallite wall: several mm tall; Calice arrangement: corallites 5 -15 mm in diameter, may
form clumps, corallites less than 1 cm tall; Coenosteum: smooth and also distinctly perforated; Septa: in 2 cycles, first prominent fusing w/
columella, blunt septal lobes & dentated; Skeleton: arranged in interconnected tubes; Columella: solid; in situ: tentacles extended during day
http://coral.aims.gov.au/factsheet.jsp?speciesCode=0107

Acanthastrea sp. oder A.brevis

Growth form: sub-massive to encrustin; Corallite wall: seldom fused basally; Corallite arrangement: cerioid to sub-plocoid corallites, crowded
and 15 mm (range 10-25) in diameter; Coenosteum: present or reduced; Septa: widely spaced, margins with long, mussid teeth, costae usually
present, may be discontinuous; Columella: spongy
http://coral.aims.gov.au/factsheet.jsp?speciesCode=0783

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Lobophyllia hemprichii
Growth form: extensively phaceloid, hemispherical w/ polycentric, s/t meandering branches; Corallite wall: distinctly exsert and often shared at
base of colony; Corallite arrangement: few encircle individual calices, majority form longitudinal ridges between groups or series;
Septa: alternating, exsert, margins with long, sharp spines; septa taper in thickness from wall to calice center; Columella: spongy
http://coral.aims.gov.au/factsheet.jsp?speciesCode=0236

Lobophyllia corymbosa
Growth form: sturdy phaceloid, hemispherical w/ 1/3 centers per branch; Corallite wall: distinctly exsert and often shared at base of colony;
Corallite arrangement: few encircle individual calices, majority form longitudinal ridges between groups or series; Septa: alternating,
exsert, margins with long, sharp spines; Columella: spongy
http://coral.aims.gov.au/factsheet.jsp?speciesCode=0234

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Mycetophyllia sp. probably M.danaana

Growth form: attached, circular encrusting; Corallite wall: discontionously meandering, shared with neighbouring corallites; Corallite
arrangement: laterally fused (ridge shared with neighbouring corallites); Septa: continuous over corallites, stout, margins with long, sharp
spines, mid-ridge toi mid-ridge distance >5mm; Columella: inconspicious
http://coral.aims.gov.au/factsheet.jsp?speciesCode=0596

Isophyllia rigida
Growth form: massive; Corallite wall: shared, forming continous ridges; Corallite arrangement: cerioid, some fused, over 10mm in diameter;
Septa: in 2 cycles, rather thin & stout, margins w/ long & sharp spines; Columella: spongy
http://coral.aims.gov.au/factsheet.jsp?speciesCode=0582

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Family Faviidae-1: (L. favus, honeycomb)…. relating to the Key to the family Faviidae
regular appearance of the corallites. Colonies phaceloid
Corallites small (<5mm diameter): Genus Cladocora
Genera exhibiting predominantly extratentacular budding: Corallites not small (>5mm diameter): Genus Caulastrea
Indo-Pacific genera:----------------------------- Colonies flabello-meandroid: Genus Erythrastrea
Plesiastrea (Gk. plesios, recent; Gk. aster, star), Colonies massive or derived from massive
Oulastrea (Gk. oulos, curly; Gk. aster, star), Budding intratentacular or meandroid
Diploastrea (Gk. diploos, double; aster, star), Colonies plocoid
Coraliites not exsert: Genus Favia
Leptastrea (Gk. leptos, slender; aster, star), Corallites exsert: Genus Barabattoia
Cyphastrea (Gk. kyphos, humped; aster, star), Colonies cerioid to secondarily meandroid
Moseleya (named after H.N. Moseley) Paliform lobes present
Arabic region genus:---------------------------- Paliform lobes not prominent: Genus Favites
Parasimplastrea (Gk.para, besides; L. epten, simple) Paliform lobes prominent
Valleys <10mm across Genus Goniastrea
Circum-tropical genus.-------------------------- Valleys >10mm across
Montastrea (L. montis, mountain; Gk. aster, star) Ambulacral groove present
Atlantic genus:------------------------------------ Colonies large: Genus Colpophyllia
Solenastrea (Gk. solen, channel; aster, star) Colonies small: Genus Manicina
Ambulacral groove absent: Genus Oulophyllia
Paliform lobes absent or weakly developed
Paliform lobes spongy
Ambulacral groove absent: Genus Platygyra
Ambulacral groove present: Genus Diploria
Paliform lobes wall-like: Genus Leptoria
Colonies branching: Genus Australogyra
Budding extratentacular
Corallites small (<4mm diameter)
Corallites crowded: Genus Cyphastrea
Corallites not crowded: Genus Plesiastrea
Corallites middle-sized (>4mm, <15mm diameter)
Corallites plocoid
Colonies submassive
Septa strongly alternate: Genus Oulastrea
Septa do not alternate: Genus Montrastrea
Colonies massive to columnar: G. Solenastrea
Corallites cerioid: Genus Leptastrea
Corallites subplocoid: Genus Parasimplastrea
Corallites large, conspicuous (>15mm diameter)
Corallites cerioid: Genus Moseleya
Corallites plocoid: Genus Diploastrea
Colonies explanate to branching: Genus Echinopora

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Leptastrea sp possibly L.purpurea

Growth form: flat but massive to encrusting; Corallite wall: fused basally and separated by a fine furrow (ambulacral groove); Corallite
arrangement: cerioid, s/t even polycentric & slightly immersed corallites w/ fossa, often 3-4 mm (range 2 to 10 mm) in diameter; Coenosteum:
absent, sublime ambulacral goove; Septa: in 2 cycles; Columella: small & solid; Budding: extratentacular
http://coral.aims.gov.au/factsheet.jsp?speciesCode=0222

Chyphastrea microphthalma
Growth form: usually massive and rounded, may be encrusting, s/t plate-like; Corallite wall: indistinct; Corallite arrangement: plocoid, calices
separated by several mm, corallites exsert, rounded, diameter usually 1-2.5 mm in diameter; Coenosteum: noncostate either blistered or with fine
pinules; Septa: 2x10 cycles w/ only the primary well developed; Columella: spongy; Budding: extratentacular
http://coral.aims.gov.au/factsheet.jsp?speciesCode=0130

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Montastrea sp. possibly M.annuligera

Growth form: massive, dome-shaped, occasionally encrusting; Corallite wall: distinct; Corallite arrangement: cerioid, monocentric & circular,
crowded, diameter about 7 (s/t 15) mm; Coenosteum: costae continous with dentate margins (amblulacral-like appearance); Septa: in 3 cycles,
primary exsert, paliform lobes usually present; Columella: spongy; Budding: extratentacular;
http://coral.aims.gov.au/factsheet.jsp?speciesCode=0241

Montastrea sp. possibly M.annularis

Growth form: massive, dome-shaped, occasionally encrusting; Corallite wall: distinct; Corallite arrangement: cerioid, monocentric & circular,
crowded, diameter about 7 (s/t 15) mm; Coenosteum: costae marginal (amblulacral-like appearance); Septa: in 3 cycles, primary exsert,
paliform lobes marginal; Columella: spongy; Budding: extratentacular …. shown here intratentacular;
http://coral.aims.gov.au/factsheet.jsp?speciesCode=0588

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Montastrea cavernosa
Growth form: massive; Corallite wall: present; Corallite arrangement: plocoid, approx. 10mm in diameter, calices round; Coenosteum:
costae distinctly dentated; Septa: margins dentated; Columella: spongy; Budding: extratentacular;
http://coral.aims.gov.au/factsheet.jsp?speciesCode=0589

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Family Faviidae-2: Genera exhibiting predominantly intratentacular budding:

Indo-Pacific genera:-----------------------------
Caulastrea (L. kaulis, stalk; Gk. aster, star),
Barabattoia (?. ?, ?; ?. ?, ?),
Favites (Gk. favus, honeycomb; -ites, like),
Goniastrea (Gk. gonia, corner; aster, star),
Platygyra (Gk. platys, wide; gyros, round),
Australogyra (L. australis, Australia; Gk. gyros, round),
Oulophyllia (Gk. oulos, curly, twisted; phyllon, leaf),
Leptoria (Gk. leptos, slender; seris, lettuce),
Echinopora (Gk. echinos, hedgehog, prickly; L. porus, pore),
Circum-tropical genus.--------------------------
Favia (L. favus, honeycomb)
Arabic region genus:-----------------------------------
Erythrastrea (Gk. erythros, ?; aster, star)
Atlantic genera:-----------------------------------
Cladocora (Gk. klados, branch; keras, horn) – (also Mediterranean),
Manicina (Gk. manos, wide, loose; kineo, to move),
Diploria (Gk. diplon, fold; oros, mountain),
Colpophyllia (Gk. colpodes, sinuous; phyllon, leaf)

Favites abdita
Growth form: massive, rounded, hillocky; Corallite wall: prominent shared walls and ridge-like; Corallite arrangement: cerioid,
monocentric, polygonal but equal in size, 5-20 mm in diameter ; Coenosteum: costae present; Skeleton: imperforate; Septa: granulated,
exsert spines on septal margins, sometimes ragged, paliform lobes s/t present; Columella: spongy; Budding: intratentacular
http://coral.aims.gov.au/factsheet.jsp?speciesCode=0160

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Goniastrea sp. possibly G.peresi

Growth form: encrusting, s/t plate-like; Corallite wall: prominent, exsert shared walls and ridge-like; Corallite arrangement: cerioid,
polygonal, equal in size, 4-10 mm in diameter, fossa deep; Coenosteum: costae present; Skeleton: imperforate; Septa: granulated, spines on
septal margins closely set, sometimes ragged, paliform lobes well developed; Columella: spongy; Budding: intratentacular
http://coral.aims.gov.au/factsheet.jsp?speciesCode=0655

Platygyra daedalea
Growth form: massive, ; Corallite wall: dominant, linked in series (mid-ridge to mid-ridge between 3-10 mm); Corallite arrangement: cerioid to
indistinct meandroid; Septa: well spaced, often slightly exsert, margins distinctly serrated; fused walls, margins coarsely toothed; Columella:
weakly developed, centers indistinct, trabecular, spongy; Budding: intratentacular
http://coral.aims.gov.au/factsheet.jsp?speciesCode=0301

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Echinopora gemmacea
Growth form: bifacial-foliaceous, s/t encrusting or branched; Corallite wall: slightly exsert; Calice arrangement: plocoid, calices separated by
several mm, corallite diameter usually 2-7 mm; Coenosteum: usually with rows of small teeth sometimes with smooth edged or dentate costae;
Septa: in 3 cycles, primary exsert; Columella: spongy w/ weakly expressed paliform lobes; Budding: intratentacular
http://coral.aims.gov.au/factsheet.jsp?speciesCode=0140

Echinopora irregularis
Growth form: foliaceous, encrusting or short-branched; Corallite wall: thick & exsert, forming interlocking clumps; Calice arrangement: calices
separated by several mm, corallite diameter up to 10 mm; Coenosteum: usually with rows of prominent dentated costae; Septa: in 3 cycles,
primary exsert; Columella: spongy; Budding: intratentacular
http://coral.aims.gov.au/factsheet.jsp?speciesCode=0935

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Manicina sp. possibly M.aerolata.

Growth form: encrusting, sub-massive, s/t unattached; Corallite wall: fused &; Corallite arrangement: meandering valleys; Coenosteum:
none; Septa: septa in 2 cycles, approx. 25 septa /cm; margins w/ sharp, sometimes ragged teeth, sides sharp, small paliform lobes; Columella:
fused & twisted; Budding: intratentacular
http://coral.aims.gov.au/factsheet.jsp?speciesCode=0585

Favia sp. possibly Favia laxa

Growth form: massive, hemispherical, occasionally encrusting; Corallite wall: ringlike distinct; Corallite arrangement: plocoid, monocentric,
calices circular to oval, not too crowded, corallite diameter 5-8 mm; Coenosteum: costate, with dentated margins; Septa: in 2 cycles, paliform
lobes form a crown; Columella: spongy; Budding: extra-, and intratentacular
http://coral.aims.gov.au/factsheet.jsp?speciesCode=0150

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Diploria strigosa
Growth form: massive, hemispherical, occasionally encrusting; Corallite wall: shared with neighbours, smoothly meandering; mid-ridge to
mid-ridge distance approx. 8 mm; Corallite arrangement:; Coenosteum: none; Septa: approx. 15 septa / cm; in series and 2 cycles, paliform
lobes present; Columella: laminar & spongy; Budding: intratentacular
http://coral.aims.gov.au/factsheet.jsp?speciesCode=0576

Diploria clivosa
Growth form: massive, hemispherical, occasionally encrusting; Corallite wall: shared with neighbours, knobby meanders; mid-ridge to mid-
ridge distance approx. 5-8 mm; Corallite arrangement:; Coenosteum: none; Septa: approx. 13 septa / cm; in series and rudimentary 2 cycles,
paliform lobes present; Columella: spongy; Budding: intratentacular
http://coral.aims.gov.au/factsheet.jsp?speciesCode=0574

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Family Trachyphylliidae: (Gk. trachys, rough; Gk. phyllon, leaf)…. possibly relating to the intended form of the corallum that resembles a large
and uneven leaf.
Indo-Pacific genus:------------------------------
Trachyphyllia (Gk. trachys, rough; phyllon, leaf)

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Family Poritidae: (L. porous, pore; Gk. –ites, like)…. relating to the Key to the family Poritidae
porous nature of the corallum.
Indo-Pacific genera:----------------------------- Corallites <2mm diameter
Stylaraea (Gk. stylos, pillar), Septa fused in non-cyclical pattern: Genus Porites
Poritipora (L. porus, pore; Gk. –ites, suffix denoting likeness; Septa not fused
L. porus, pore), Columella present: Genus Stylaraea
Goniopora (Gk. gonia, an angle; L. porus, pore), Columella absent: Genus Poritipora
Alveopora (L. alveolus, small, hollow; porus, pore), Corallites >2mm diameter
Curcum-tropical genus:-------------------------- Skeleton robust, not very porous: Genus Goniapora
Porites (L. porus, pore; Gk. –ites, suffix denoting likeness) Skeleton delicate, very porous: Genus Alveopora

Goniopora minor
Growth form: hemispherical; Corallite wall: rather thick; Corallite arrangement: cerioid, calices circular crowded, 1-3 mm in diameter;
Coenosteum: costae absent; Septa: usually 24 with their margins smooth or granular; Skeleton: porous; Columella: small; in situ: tentacles
extended during day (polyps usually over 10 mm long)
http://coral.aims.gov.au/factsheet.jsp?speciesCode=0199

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Goniopora sp.
Growth form: hemispherical; Corallite wall: rather thick; Calice arrangement: cerioid, 1-3 mm in diameter; Coenosteum: costae absent;
Septa: usually 24 with their margins smooth or granular, usually 6 pali present; Skeleton: porous; Columella: small; in situ: tentacles
extended during day (polyps usually over 10 mm long)
http://coral.aims.gov.au/factsheet.jsp?speciesCode=0199

Alveopora sp. possibly A.daedalea

Growth form: hemispherical to encrusting, s/t thick plates; Corallite wall: highly porous; Calice arrangement: cerioid, about 0.5-3 mm in
diameter; Coenosteum: smooth, costae absent; Septa: 12 septa, reduced to tiny spines; Skeleton: very porous (extremely light-weight);
Columella: small, sometimes absent; in situ: small tentacles extended during day (polyps usually over 10 mm long)
http://coral.aims.gov.au/factsheet.jsp?speciesCode=0662

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Porites solida
Growth form: massive, encrusting to digitate yielding an undulating appearance; Corallite wall: shared walls, not ridge-like; Corallite
arrangement: cerioid, polygonal, rather large (1.5 mm in diameter); Coenosteum: costae absent; Septa: 12; Skeleton: imperforate, dense;
Columella: paliform crown present
http://coral.aims.gov.au/factsheet.jsp?speciesCode=0325

Porites sp. possibly P.lobata (the specimen shown is non sessile)

Growth form: massive, encrusting to digitate; Corallite wall: shared walls, not ridge-like; Corallite arrangement: cerioid, polygonal, 1 mm
in diameter; Coenosteum: costae absent; Septa: 12; Skeleton: imperforate, dense; Columella: paliform crown present
http://coral.aims.gov.au/factsheet.jsp?speciesCode=0319

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Porites furcata
Growth form: compact branches, digitate; Corallite wall: shared walls; Corallite arrangement: cerioid, rounded, 1.6-2 mm in diameter;
Coenosteum: costae absent; Septa: 12; Skeleton: porous; Columella: paliform crown w/ styliform center
http://coral.aims.gov.au/factsheet.jsp?speciesCode=0606

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Non-Scleractinian families:
Indo-Pacific genera:-----------------------------
Helioporidae (Gk. helios, sun; L. porus, pore),
Tubiporidae (L. tubus, tube; porus, pore),
Circum-tropical genera:-------------------------
Milleporidae (L. mille, thousand; porus, pore),
Stylasteridae (Gk. stylos, style; aster, star)

Heliopora coerulea
Growth form: large, platelike, vertical; Corallite wall: not visible; Calice arrangement: polyp-bearing chambers <0.5 mm in diameter
whereas the smaller but more numerous ones measure 0.1 mm (numeric ratio b/w gastropores & the later: approx. 1:10); Coenosteum:
styliform but smooth, w/o costae; Septa: none; Skeleton: bluish (iron salts) & imperforate; Columella: none
http://coral.aims.gov.au/info/classification-mesozoic.jsp

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Millepora sp.
Growth form: large, conspicuous, massive to branched; Corallite wall: not visible; Calice arrangement: polyp-bearing chambers <0.2 mm in
diameter usually encircled by more numerous dactylopores measuring 0.1 mm (numeric ratio b/w gastro- & dactylopore: approx. 1:5-7);
Coenosteum: smooth w/o costae; Septa: none; Skeleton: pale yellow & imperforate; Columella: none
http://coral.aims.gov.au/info/classification-mesozoic.jsp

Tubipora musica
Growth form: plocoid; Corallite wall: not visible; Calice arrangement: in organ-pipe-arrangement, each pipe measuring 1-2 mm;
Coenosteum: smooth w/o costae; Septa: none; Skeleton: porous, red, tubes parallel aligned, bound together by vertical trabeculae;
Columella: none; in situ: polyps normally extended during day (each with 8 tentacles that bear small branchlets)
http://eol.org/pages/41302/overview

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Glossary: Exsert: a term used to describe septa that protrude above the top of the corallite wall.
Extratentacular (= intercalicular): describing a form of asexual reproduction in
Ahermatypic: corals that lack zooxanthellae and do not contribute to reef-building. corals in which a new mouth is produced from the edge zone or coenosarc and
Anastomose: Linked or fused by cross-branches,. thus lies outside the parental ring of tentacles.
Autotroph: An organism utilising inorganic materials as food, as most plants and certain
bacteria and protozoans (cf. heterotroph). Flabellate: corallum in which the meanders arise from a common base but are free
Axial: referring to the corallite formed at the tip of a branch. laterally. They may be relatively short (crescentic) or elongate and sinuous
(flabello-meandroid).
Benthic: Referring to the seabed, or an organism living on or associated with the seabed. Fossa: the central depression in a calice, usually partly filled by the columella.
Bilateral symmetry: Symmetry which divides a body along a single plane into two Fusiform: Spindle-shaped; rounded and tapering towards each end.
identical halves.
Biramous With two branches or rami. Hermatypic: corals that contain zooxanthellae and contribute to the building of reefs.
Heterotroph: An organism capable of utilising only organic materials as a source of food;
Calcareous: Made of or containing calcium salts (aragonite), especially calcium carbonate. characteristic of animals (cf. autotroph).
Calice: upper, open end of the corallite. Hexacorals: scleractinia with polyps with six or multiples of six tentacles; produce a
Cerioid: closely packed corallites with fused walls. calcareous skeleton.
Circumtropical: distribution pattern that encompasses the tropical belt of bot the
Atlantic and the Indo-Pacificdomain. Hydrocorals: hydrozoan coelenterates that produce a calcareous skeleton.
Coenosarc: an extension of the polyp that stretches over the surface of the skeleton.
Coenosteum: skeletal material deposited outside the corallite wall. Imperforate: referring to skeletal structures in corals {e.g., walls, septa, coenosteum)
Colline: elongate wall or ridge formed between corallites or groups of corallites. that are solid rather than porous.
Columella: a skeletal structure that develops in the central axis of the calice. It is Insert: a term used to describe septa which do not protrude above the top of the
usually either styliform (rod-like), papillose, trabecular (both spongy in corallite wall.
appearance) or lamellar (formed from a series of interconnecting vertical plates). Intratentacular (= intracalicular): describing a form of asexual reproduction in
Corallite: skeletal parts deposited by a single polyp. corals in which the oral disc invaginates to produce a new mouth within the
Corallum: the skeleton of solitary and colonial corals. parental ring of tentacles.
Costae: extension of the septa outside the corallite wall.
Dendroid: corallum formed from spreading branches of single corallites. Meandroid: corallum in which the corallites are fused in longitudinal series to
produce a pattern of valleys and ridges.
Denticulate: With small teeth. Mesenteries / mesenterial filaments: the mesenteries are radial partitions lying
Dichotomous Divided or dividing into two equal parts. within the gastrovascular cavity of the coral polyp; mesenterial filaments may be
Digitate: With finger-like projections. produced from their free inner margins.
Dissepiments: skeletal structures left by the polyps.
Distal: Situated away from the point of origin or attachment (cf. proximal). Octocorals: alcyonarian coelenterates with polyps of eight or multiples of eight
Diurnal: With a daily pattern or rhythm. tentacles; that produce a calcareous skeleton.
Dorsal: On the upper surface of a bilaterally symmetrical animal. Oral disc: upper surface of the polyp, extending from the mouth to the outer ring of
tentacles.
Ecomorph: an intraspecific variant produced in response to environmental factors.
Encrusting: With a surface-covering growth form.
Epifauna: Organisms living on the surface of the seabed (cf. infauna).
Epiphyte: An organism that lives or grows non-parasitically upon a plant.
Explanate: spread out flat.

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Paliform lobe: a vertical lobe-like protrusion formed at the inner end of a septum, Taxon (pl. taxa) : Term used to describe classification categories (taxonomic groups).
adjacent to the columella. Taxonomy Science concerned with the identification and classification of organisms into
Perforate: referring to skeletal structures in corals (e.g., walls, septa, coenosteum) groups (or taxa) based on similarities structure, embryology, etc.
that are porous rather than solid. Thamnasterioid: a corallum in which corallite walls are indistinct and the septa run
Peristome: area within the inner ring of tentacles and immediately surrounding the uninterrupted between calice centers.
mouth. Trabeculae: septa built from thick structures, resembling little fortifying beams.
Peritheca: surface of the coenosteum between the corallites. Trochoid: top shaped.
Phaceloid: growth form in which tall, separate corallites arise from the basal part of Tuberculate: Having small, rounded projections.
the corallum. Turbinate: shaped like an inverted cone.
Photosynthesis: A synthesis of organic materials from carbon dioxide, water and Uniramous: Simple, unbranched.
inorganic salts using sunlight as the energy source; with the aid of a catalyst
such as chlorophyll (see autotroph). Ventral On the lower or abdominal, side or surface of a bilaterally symmetrical animal.
Plankton: The aggregate of generally microscopic organisms passively drifting with the
water movements of the pelagic environment. Zooxanthellae: unicellular endosymbiontic algae (dinoflagellates) that live in coral
Planula (pl. planyulae): the planktonic larval stage of corals. tissues.
Plocoid: separate, well defined corallites.
Polymorphic: existing in more than one form. Having, assuming or passing through
various forms or stages.
Polyp: the living part of a coral.
Proximal: Situated toward the point of origin or attachment (opp. distal).

Scleractinia: true or stony corals belonging to the Class Zoantharia.

Septa: calcareous, plate-like structures that radiate from the wall toward the center of
the corallites. They are aligned vertically and alternate with the mesenteries.
Septal cycles: relating to the formation and arrangement of the septa. Septa are laid
down in radial series or cycles, the first cycle consisting of six primary septa, the
second of six secondary septa, the third of 12 tertiary septa, and so on.
Septal margin: the upper free edge of the septum,
Septal orders: relating to the size of septa. Equal sized septa form a single order;
subequal or unequal septa form two or more orders. Orders do not necessarily
correspond to cycles (see above).
Septocostae: extensions of the septa that unite adjacent calice centers. They are found
in corals where the corallites lack walls and there is no clear distinction between
septa and costae.
Sessile: Permanently attached (see sedentary) or (e.g. of eyes) attached by the base; not
stalked.
Solitary: referring to corals that grow as a single polyp with a surrounding skeleton.
Spawn: The mass of sperm- and egg-bundles or even planulae released directly into the
water.
Synapticulae: small bars that make lateral links between adjacent septa.
Symbiosis: Two species living in association for their mutual benetit.

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Literature:

Humann P, DeLoach N. (2003) Coral Reef Identification – Florida, Caribbean, Bahamas. New World Publ. Jacksonville (FL), USA
Mather P., Bennet I. (1994) A Coral Reef Handbook. A guide to the geology, flora & fauna of the GBR, SBS Ltd, Norton (NSW), AUS
Veron J.E.N. (1993) Corals of Australia and the Indo-Pacific Hardcover. University of Hawaii Press, USA
Veron J.E.N (2000) Corals of the World. 3 Volumes, Australian Institute of Marine Science, Townsville, AUS
Wood E.M. (1983) Corals of the World. TFH Publ. Inc, Neptune City (NJ), USA

Specimens provided by:

Dr. A.Antonius, Dr.K.KLEEMANN (Department of Palaeontology, University of Vienna) & Dr.P.MADL (University of Salzburg)
Images: Dr.P.MADL

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