831 species

Seriatopora guttatus

Veron, 2000

Seriatopora

Lamarck, 1816

Characters: Colonies are up to 0.3 metres across and are usually prostrate. Branches are irregularly fused. They are not tapered and do not have sharp points. Corallites are arranged irregularly or in indistinct rows. They have a well defined rim, but do not have hoods. Polyps are extended day and night.

Colour: A wide range of colours, with polyps and branches of contrasting colours.

Similar Species: Seriatopora hystrix, which has pointed branches and corallites not extended during the day. See also S. aculeata, which has short, tapered branches, and S. caliendrum.

Habitat: Shallow reef environments especially where protected from strong wave action including vertical walls and beneath overhangs.

Abundance: Common.

Taxonomic References: Veron (2000a); Veron (2002a);

Identification Guides: Pillay, Terashima, Venkatasami et al. (2002);

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