831 species

Porites cocosensis

Wells, 1950

Porites

Link, 1807

Characters: Colonies are encrusting with a nodular surface forming short branches. Corallites are deeply excavated giving a cellular appearance. Very tall pali are visible underwater where they resemble slightly extended tentacles.

Colour: Usually grey, green or blue.

Similar Species: Porites annae, which has less cellular corallites and more irregularly fused branches. Calice characters are closest to P. aranetai.

Habitat: Shallow reef environments.

Abundance: Occasionally locally common.

Taxonomic References: Wells (1950); Veron (2000a);

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