Seriatopora guttatus
Veron, 2000
Description: Colonies are up to 0.3 metres across and are usually prostrate. Branches are irregularly fused. They are not tapered and do not have sharp points. Corallites are arranged irregularly or in indistinct rows. They have a well defined rim, but do not have hoods. Polyps are extended day and night.
Color: A wide range of colours, with polyps and branches of contrasting colours.
Habitat: Shallow reef environments especially where protected from strong wave action including vertical walls and beneath overhangs.
Abundance: Common.
Similar Species: Seriatopora hystrix, which has pointed branches and corallites not extended during the day. See also S. aculeata, which has short, tapered branches, and S. caliendrum.
Taxonomic note: See ‘New species described in Corals of the World’ (Veron, in preparation) for further information. Source reference: Veron (2000).
Colony in a protected habitat. Bali, Indonesia Photograph: Gerry Allen
Colonies on vertical rock faces. Solomon Islands Photograph: Valerie Taylor
Branch detail of a colony in a protected environment. Flores, Indonesia Photograph: Valerie Taylor
Skeletal detail. Showing branch side.