TOP EDGE Corals
Mountainous Star Coral
Orbicella faveolata
Subject to a recent name change (previously known as Montastrea faveolata), Orbicella faveolata was distinguished from Orbicella annularis in 1994.
Conservation Attention
Low
Ctenella chagius
Ctenella chagius
Ctenella chagius is a member of the small Meandrinidae family and is found exclusively in the Chagos Archipelago, Mauritius and La Réunion in the Indian Ocean.
Conservation Attention
Good
Lithophyllon ranjithi
Lithophyllon ranjithi
This endangered coral species has a range which is restricted to one small area off the coast of north-eastern Borneo where it is easily misidentified as a closely related species, Lithophyllon undulatum.
Conservation Attention
Very Low
Pillar Coral
Dendrogyra cylindrus
Commonly known as Pillar Coral, colonies of this species are found in flat, sheltered locations ranging from the southern tip of Florida down to the coast of Venezuela.
Conservation Attention
Very Low
Pearl Bubble Coral
Physogyra lichtensteini
Commonly known as the Pearl Bubble Coral, Physogyra lichtensteini is distinct due to its fleshy vesicles which are on display throughout the day providing refuge for several marine invertebrates including shrimp.
Conservation Attention
Very Low
Elephant Skin Coral
Pachyseris rugosa
Commonly named as the Elephant Skin Coral due to its wrinkly appearance, Pachyseris rugosa is a fairly common species on tropical reef systems within its range.
Conservation Attention
Very Low
Heliofungia actiniformis
Heliofungia actiniformis
Unlike many Scleractinian corals, adult polyps of Heliofungia are solitary and free living.
Conservation Attention
Medium
