Simplastrea
Simplastrea is a monotypic genus of large polyp stony coral from the Indian Ocean. It is represented by a single species, Simplastrea vesicularis.[2]
Simplastrea | |
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Scientific classification | |
Kingdom: | Animalia |
Phylum: | Cnidaria |
Class: | Anthozoa |
Order: | Scleractinia |
Family: | Euphylliidae |
Genus: | Simplastrea Umbgrove, 1939 |
Species: | S. vesicularis |
Binomial name | |
Simplastrea vesicularis (Umbgrove, 1939) | |
Description
Colonies of Simplastrea vesicularis are flat and encrusting with circular corallites that are spaced evenly by beaded coenosteum.[3] It has thin walls, well-developed septae that are thin and straight with inner margins forming a columella tangle.[3] The entire surface of Simplastrea vesicularis is covered in small tentacles displaying slight extension.[3]
Distribution and habitat
It can be found throughout the Indian Ocean and Indo-Pacific in the shallow waters of Papua New Guinea and Indonesia where it encrusts rock surfaces of coral reefs.[3][4]
References
- Hoeksema, B., Rogers, A. & Quibilan, M. (2008). Simplastrea vesicularis. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Version 2016.1.
- "Simplastrea vesicularis Umbgrove, 1939". 2013. Retrieved 23 July 2016.
- Australian Institute of Marine Science. "Simplastrea vesicularis". Corals of the World. Retrieved 23 July 2016.
- Global Biodiversity Information Facility. "Simplastrea vesicularis Umbgrove, 1940". GBIF Backbone Taxonomy. doi:10.15468/39omei.
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