831 species

Cladocora caespitosa

(Linnaeus, 1767)

Cladocora

Ehrenberg, 1834

Characters: Colonies are phaceloid, up to 0.5 metres across. Corallites are tubular, 4-5 millimetres diameter, and are compacted together forming clumps. Septo-costae are in two alternating orders, only the first of which usually reaches the columella. Columellae and paliform lobes may both be well developed. Only colonies from water shallow enough for light penetration are zooxanthellate.

Colour: Cream or brown with brown tentacles.

Similar Species: Cladocora arbuscula.

Habitat: Shallow rocky substrates, to deep water where colonies are azooxanthellate.

Abundance: Uncommon.

Taxonomic References: Zibrowius (1980); Veron (2000a);

Identification Guides: Mojetta, Ghisotti, Cau et al. (1994);

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