831 species

Goniopora sultani

Veron, DeVantier and Turak, 2000

Goniopora

de Blainville, 1830

Characters: Colonies are thick short columns, oval in transverse section. Corallites are similar on the tops and sides of columns. They are very large (7-8 mm diameter), compact, with thin walls and thus have have an angular shape. Columellae are broad and are mostly composed of six septal deltas. Septa are short and uniform in size and spacing. Polyps are elongate when fully extended.

Colour: Pale cream.

Similar Species: Goniopora lobata and G. columna, which have similar columnar branches but smaller corallites. See also G. stokesi which has high, uneven septal walls. This species has the largest corallites of all the Goniopora.

Habitat: Upper reef slopes.

Abundance: Uncommon.

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

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