Stylophora (coral)

Stylophora is a genus of colonial stony corals in the family Pocilloporidae. They are commonly known as cat's paw corals or birdsnest corals. They are native to the Red Sea, the Indo-Pacific region and eastwards as far as the Pitcairn Islands.

Characteristics

Members of this genus are branching corals. The finger-like branches vary in width and have blunt tips. The growth forms and colours are variable depending on many factors, including the level of light and the amount of water movement. The colour may be orange, pink, magenta, purple, green or brown.

Species

The following species are listed in the World Register of Marine Species :

†Stylophora confusa Duncan, 1880 Stylophora danae Milne Edwards & Haime, 1850Stylophora erythraea Von Marenzeller, 1907Stylophora flabellata Quelch, 1886
†Stylophora gigas Hoffmeister, 1945
†Stylophora granulata Duncan & Wall, 1865 Stylophora kuehlmanni Scheer & Pillai, 1983Stylophora lobata Gardiner, 1898Stylophora madagascarensis Veron, 2000Stylophora mamillata Scheer & Pillai, 1983
†Stylophora minuta Duncan, 1868Stylophora pistillata Esper, 1797Stylophora subseriata Stylophora wellsi Scheer, 1964