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Pocillopora meandrina
Also known as Brush Coral, Antler Coral and Elkhorn Coral, the Cauliflower Coral is a large, stoutly-branched stony coral. The branches are flattened to keel shaped. On the branches, the verrucae (wart-like spots) are spaced regularly on all sides. Colonies are composed of stout, upright, flattened branches. They may be widely separated, or compact, especially where currents are strong. They feed on plankton.
Found on coral and rocky reefs, at depths of 1 to 10m. Widespread in the Indo-Pacific region.
Characters: Colonies are small upright bushes. Branches radiate from the initial point of growth. They are flattened, those in shallow water being curved when viewed from above. Verrucae are neat and uniform. Colour: Usually cream, green or pink. Similar species: Pocillopora kelleheri. See also P. verrucosa, which has relatively prominent verrucae. Habitat: Shallow reef environments. Abundance: Common on exposed reef fronts, uncommon elsewhere.
Source reference: Veron (2000). Taxonomic references: Vaughan (1907), Veron and Pichon (1982), Dai (1989). Additional identification guides: Veron (1986), Nishihira and Veron (1995).
Spotted on Jan 21, 2012
Submitted on Jan 25, 2012
