831 species

Australogyra zelli

(Veron, Pichon and Wijsman-Best, 1977)

Australogyra

Veron and Pichon, 1982

Characters: Colonies have a branching growth-form. They may form compact hemispherical mounds or thickets over 2 metres across or occur as a few isolated branches. Corallites are monocentric or form short valleys. Walls are thick, rounded and smooth. Columellae are absent. Tentacles are extended only at night.

Colour: Grey-green to brown.

Similar Species: Australogyra zelli is similar to Platygyra in corallite structure but not growth-form. Goniastrea ramosa has a similar appearance but is much smaller and has paliform lobes.

Habitat: Usually in turbid waters around high islands or in reef lagoons.

Abundance: Uncommon.

Taxonomic Note: Very distinct species.

COTW History since Veron (2000a)
  • Family: All families are currently under review
  • Genus/species: No change