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
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

  1. Hoeksema, B., Rogers, A. & Quibilan, M. (2008). Simplastrea vesicularis. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Version 2016.1.
  2. "Simplastrea vesicularis Umbgrove, 1939". 2013. Retrieved 23 July 2016.
  3. Australian Institute of Marine Science. "Simplastrea vesicularis". Corals of the World. Retrieved 23 July 2016.
  4. Global Biodiversity Information Facility. "Simplastrea vesicularis Umbgrove, 1940". GBIF Backbone Taxonomy. doi:10.15468/39omei.


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