Species distinctions among several Caribbean stony corals
Fenner DP. 1993. Species distinctions among several Caribbean stony corals. Bulletin of Marine Science. 53(3):1099-1116
This article highlight key differences in several Caribbean stony coral species. Includes methods, results and discussion. Morphological observations of living corals at Cozumel (Mexico), Martinique, St. Lucia, the Cayman Islands, and Roatan (Honduras) support the view that Siderastrea radians, Siderastrea siderea, Isophyllastrea rigida, Isophyllia sinuosa, Madracis mirabilis, Madracis decactis, Agaricia lamarcki, Agaricia undata, Mussa angulosa, Mussa cubensis (= Scolymia cubensis), Millepora alcicornis, Millepora complanata, and Millepora squarrosa represent valid species. However, Colpophyllia breviseria/is is not supported as a valid species separate from Colpophyllia natans, Madracis pharensis is supported as a form or ecomorph of Madracis decactis; and Scolymia lacera is supported as a form or ecomorph of Mussa angulosa. Madracis mirabilis f. martiniquensis (new form) has flat-ended branches of variable outline and diameter. Calices on the branch ends are deep and cerioid, and some lack a styliform columella, are recessed, and/or lack exsert septa. Living colonies are yellow-brown.
- Type
- Journal Article
- Authors
- Fenner, Douglas
- Units
- BISC
- Keywords
- Caribbean, Coral Reef, Morphology, species distinction, stony corals (Scleractinia), Taxonomy