Distinguishing Characteristics |
Colonial polyps, branching, forming cup-like structures (corallites) that are widely space (except for possibly at the tip) and are broadly joined together in branching stalks; color yellow brown (live); corallites 3-4 mm (0.1-0.15 in) in diameter, short, radiating plates (septa) inside corallites numerous, minutely beaded, extending above the corallite wall giving a spiky appearance; outer walls and coenosteum (skeletal material between walls of corallites) smooth, not ridged; branches thin (< 1.5 cm or 1/2 in in diameter), short, crooked, closely spaced together, bush-like in appearance. |
Similar Species |
Other Oculina species have thicker, longer branches and/or the corallites extend prominently from the branches. |
Habitat |
Gulf and bay, shallow water areas of high sedimentation |
Maximum Size |
colony up to 30.5 cm (12 in) in diameter |
Other Common Names |
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Previous Scientific Names |
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