831 species

Mussismilia hispida

(Verrill, 1901)

Mussismilia

Ortmann, 1890

Characters: Colonies are massive, less than 0.5 metres across and usually flattened. Corallites are rounded, with thick walls, and are 10-15 millimetres diameter. Septa of living colonies have rounded, bead-like dentations.

Colour: Browns and greys, usually with differently coloured corallite walls and centres, commonly with radial stripes.

Similar Species: Mussismilia braziliensis.

Habitat: Shallow water, tolerant of turbid environments.

Abundance: Common.

Taxonomic References: Laborel (1967); Laborel (1969); Veron (2000a);

Identification Guides: Hetzel and Castro (1994);

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