831 species

Stylophora subseriata

(Ehrenberg, 1834)

Stylophora

Schweigger, 1819

Characters: Colonies have thin (up to 5 mm diameter), irregular, often anastomosing branches with blunt ends. Corallites are prominent but do not have prominent hoods. They have style-like columellae and six primary septa which may be short or fused with the columella. The coenosteum is covered by fine spinules. Tentacles are often extended during the day.

Colour: Uniform cream or pink, occasionally greenish.

Similar Species: Stylophora kuehlmanni. See also S. danae, which has a prostrate growth-form and little development of corallite hoods, and S. pistillata, which can have fine branches but only in deep or turbid water.

Habitat: Most reef environments.

Abundance: Common.

Taxonomic Note: A species complex.

Taxonomic References: Scheer and Pillai (1983); Veron (2000a);

Identification Guides: Turak and DeVantier (2011b);

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