Biology
provided by World Register of Marine Species
zooxanthellate
van der Land, J. (ed). (2008). UNESCO-IOC Register of Marine Organisms (URMO).
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Description
provided by World Register of Marine Species
This species forms massive colonies, sometimes large, but has tiny calices of 1 mm diameter or less. The sides of colonies show a typical Pavona pattern. On the tops of the columns, (which is the part most likely to be collected), corallites are lightly calcified such that they have thin walls and are partly detached from neighbours (Sheppard, 1998). Colonies are massive, divided into parallel or irregular ridges or hillocks. Corallites are small, giving colonies a smooth appearance; they have strongly alternating septo-costae. Colour: uniform grey. Abundance: uncommon but colonies may be very large, over 10 m in diameter (Veron, 1986).
Roux, J.P. (2001) Conspectus of Southern African Pteridophyta. Southern African Botanical Diversity Network Report 13 Page 118 (Includes a picture).
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