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
A branching Porites, developing truly ramose skeletons which can cover many square metres. Branches are smooth on the surface, though they are usually of uneven cross-section. The preferred habitat is sheltered water, such as lagoons and back-reef areas, and they can form substantial micro-atolls. The colour is pale brown. The species is similar to Porites nigrescens, which is generally slightly smaller, with a rougher surface (Sheppard, 1998). Colonies are branching, sometimes with an encrusting base. Corallites are very shallow. Colour: Usually cream, yellow, blue or green. Abundance: very common and may be a dominant in lagoons or on back reef margin (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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