Echinophyllia patula
Hodgson and Ross, 1981
Description: Colonies are thin laminae with widely spaced, irregular corallites. Corallites are immersed and have broad columellae. A large central corallite may be distinguishable. Costae are well developed and have exsert triangular teeth; there are deep pits where costae commence.
Color: Usually grey-green, grey or brown.
Habitat: Vertical substrates with clear water at 10-40 metres depth.
Abundance: Sometimes common.
Similar Species: Echinophyllia aspera, which has smaller, more exsert and more crowded corallites. Echinophyllia echinata has more irregular costae and a more prominent central corallite.
Source reference: Veron (2000). Taxonomic reference: Hodgson and Ross (1981 as Physophyllia patula). Identification guide: Nishihira and Veron (1995).
Tiers of thin plates. Ryukyu Islands, Japan Photograph: Charlie Veron
Surface detail. Bolinao, Philippines Photograph: Charlie Veron
Tiers of thin plates. Calamian Islands, Philippines Photograph: Charlie Veron
Skeletal detail. Showing corallites.