831 species

Oulastrea crispata

(Lamarck, 1816)

Oulastrea

Milne Edwards and Haime, 1848

Characters: Colonies are encrusting and grow to only a few centimetres across. Corallites are like a small Montastraea, are of uniform size and are closely compacted. Long and short septa alternate. Paliform lobes are well developed. Tentacles are sometimes extended during the day.

Colour: Black with white upper margins to the septa. Dried skeletons are also black and white.

Similar Species: None.

Habitat: Found only in subtidal turbid water, attached to wave washed rock.

Abundance: Uncommon.

Taxonomic Note: Very distinct species.

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