831 species

Pectinia alcicornis

(Saville-Kent, 1871)

Pectinia

Oken, 1815

Characters: Colonies are irregular clusters of fluted flat laminae with exsert costae forming upwardly projecting spires and short walls. Upward projecting spires may be tall, becoming the dominant part of the colony. Columellae are well developed. Costae are characteristically toothed.

Colour: Mixtures of greens, yellows and browns with central parts of colonies usually darker than peripheral parts.

Similar Species: Pectinia paeonia.

Habitat: Turbid water, especially on horizontal substrates.

Abundance: Usually uncommon.

Taxonomic Note: A species complex although usually readily recognisable.

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