831 species

Scolymia cubensis

(Milne Edwards and Haime, 1849)

Scolymia

Haime, 1852

Characters: Usually attached but may be free-living, with a tapered base. Polyps have one, rarely two or more centres and are sometimes over 100 millimetres across. They may be only a few millimetres thick, with successive regrowths forming tiers. Sometimes corallites have several mouths. Septa are in two or three orders of slightly different size. A paliform crown may be distinguishable. Polyps are fleshy.

Colour: Uniform or variegated brown, red, tan or green. Sometimes bright orange (which may photograph brown).

Similar Species: Solitary polyps of Mussa angulosa.

Habitat: Lower reef slopes and soft substrates.

Abundance: Uncommon.

Taxonomic References: Fenner (1993); Veron (2000a);

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