Massive or branching species easily recognized by their
small hexagonal calices with a snowflake pattern. Many are difficult to identify in the field since
ID's are based upon minute skeletal structures hidden by the live polyp. Lobe and Finger coral are
dominant reef-forming species in Hawaii while the others are occasional in clear
waters.
Large fleshy polyp species
of tropical seas include Goniopora with 24 tentacles. These do not occur in Hawaii or the Atlantic.
All
coral skeletons illustrated are from scientific collections taken prior
to 1998.
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