831 species

Leptastrea purpurea

(Dana, 1846)

Leptastrea

Milne Edwards and Haime, 1848

Characters: Colonies are generally flat with angular, cerioid corallites which vary in size within the same colony. Colonies on reef flats may have several corallites in shallow valleys. Septa are tightly compact, approximately similar in size, and have margins that slope uniformly towards the corallite centre. Columellae are small and compact.

Colour: Usually pale yellow, greenish or cream on the upper surface and dark sides.

Similar Species: Leptastrea transversa, which has more uniformly sized corallites and less compact septa with plunging inner margins. Leptastrea pruinosa has septa in more distinct orders and tentacles extended during the day.

Habitat: A wide range of reef environments.

Abundance: Common.

Taxonomic Note: A species complex.

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