SPS Coral Identification Glossary

Our first post after the redesign is going to be on coral identification, focusing on SPS corals.

When looking at identification of  SPS corals, many find it hard to identify using online detailed descriptions (such as those found on AIMS). So let us give you all a helping hand by giving you the common (or not so common) terms used to describe hard coral structures:

Description Terms

prostrate- to lay flat (as on the ground)

taper(ed)- to become smaller or thinner toward one end

incipient- beginning to exist or appear

axial- on an axis, situated in

Structural Terms

coenosteum- the skeleton, or body, of the coral

corallite(s)- the skeleton of a single coral polyp

branchlet(s)- a small branch or a subdivision of a branch

Formation of Corallites

immersed corallites – corallites that are embedded within the coral wall

tubular corallites – corallites that are in tube form

irregular corallites – corallites that are positioned in an irregular pattern

axial corallites – corallites that are often referred to as ‘coral tips’

radial corallites – corallites around the stalk (base) of the coral

Types of Corallites

conical – tapering from the wide base

tubular – tube-like shapes

oblique – tube that resembles one that looks cut in an angle

labellate – flaring lip-like

nariform - nose-like

cochleariform – ear-like

dimidiate - undeveloped looking corallite

immersed - flush against the coral

sub-immersed - semi showing from the body of the coral, with some ridges out

appressed - angled, but close to the coral body

rounded tubular - berry- or keg-like

round - the opening is rounded when viewed from the end

oval - the opening is oval when viewed from the end

Growth Forms

digitate – growth in finger form

hispidose – contain short branchlets from the main branch

corymbose – cluster growth form

tabulate – plate like forms

arborescent – tree like formation of brachlets

caespitose – bushly interlocking branchlets

table – growths like a dinner table

When looking for identification of your coral, try to describe it through 4 stages: Growth Form, Types of Corallites, Type of Coenosteum, and Formation of Corallites. We’ll give you an example:

Acropora formosa

Growth Form: arborescent

Type of Corallites: Radial – tubular  Axial – protruding

Formation of Corallites: Radial – irregular or regular formation

Type of Coenosteum: smooth

Now go on, and give it a try. Its easy!