Corals of Hawai'i
| Tubastraea coccinea - tube coral |
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| Growth form: large (> 1 cm) separate calices on tubular
extensions; clump of 10-20 large calices 5-10 cm across; animal orange or black/ |
| Fine structure: calyx wall very thin, porous and composed of
glandular ridges; primary and secondary septa distinct; upper edge of septa depressed
below. |
| Habitat: on cliffs and in caves in shallow water. |
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| Fungia scutaria - mushroom coral |
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| Growth form: solitary coral on large (4-28 cm), free, elliptical
plates; green to dark brown. |
| Fine structure: septa of uniform dimensions radiating out from
central depression; septa thin and serrated. |
| Habitat: reef flats, frequently in crevices or depressions. |
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| Psammocora stellata |
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| Growth form: small, branched, rounded clumps; branches of unequal
length; branches often subdivided at the tip into two projections; pale brown to pale
green. |
| Fine structure: calices are indistinct; septa are well developed
and protrude into the center of the calyx, leaving a tiny hole; septa of calices are
continuous and form a star-like pattern; septa are rough and granulated, giving a
star-like appearance. |
| Habitat: reef flats. |
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