831 species

Oculina robusta

Pourtalés, 1871

Oculina

Gray, 1847

Characters: Colonies have sturdy bases and thick tree-like upright tapering branches. Corallites are widely spaced on basal parts, becoming compact towards branch tips. Corallites average 6 millimetres diameter and are exsert and neatly circular.

Colour: Tan or yellowish-brown.

Similar Species: All other Oculina are less sturdy. See also Schizoculina, which has markedly extratentacular budding.

Habitat: Protected shallow environments, especially in turbid water.

Abundance: Sometimes common.

Taxonomic References: Veron (2000a);

Identification Guides: Humann (2002);

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