831 species

Galaxea acrhelia

Veron, 2000

Galaxea

Oken, 1815

Characters: Colonies are composed of short irregular lobe-like or truncated branches. They may be several metres across, but are usually less than 0.5 metres. Corallites are tubular, thin walled with flaring rims. Small corallites branch off larger corallites. Columellae are absent. Septa are very exsert and are commonly irregular in length. The coenosteum is soft and blistery. The whole skeleton is very fragile. Tentacles are usually extended only at night.

Colour: Pale brown or grey with white branch ends.

Similar Species: Galaxea fascicularis which does not branch and G. horrescens which has well defined branches.

Habitat: Usually found in reef areas with good water circulation and light availability.

Abundance: Uncommon.

Taxonomic References: Veron (2000a); Veron (2002a);

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