Isophyllastrea rigida Isophyllastrea rigida is a distinct species of coral that forms polygon hemispheres or domes. Although distinct this coral is still uncommon and you will need a keen eye to identify this species. The fleshy ridges are golden brown and the center of…
Coral Identification
Caribbean Coral Diaries: Acropora cervicornis
Acropora cervicornis Acropora cervicornis is an iconic Caribbean coral and one every scuba diver should know how to identify. In the Caribbean, there are three species of Acropora which are essential for creating complex habitats and buffering the coastline. Acropora cervicornis grows into cylindrical branches…
Caribbean Coral Diaries: Meandrina jacksoni
Meandrina jacksoni could easily be mistaken for Meandrina meandrites Maze Coral, but the pale yellow color and encrusting shape is what defines this species. Meandrina corals have unique ridges with prominent septa from the top of the ridge to the center of the valley.…
Caribbean Coral Diaries: Scolymia lacera
Surprise! I’m a coral addict!! I hope I’m not overdoing it with my enthusiasm for corals, but it’s about to get a whole ‘nother level of fangirl for Scolymia lacera. If you’re like me, every time you get it the…
Caribbean Coral Diaries: Oculina diffusa
Oculina diffusa Oculina diffusa is a coral we never thought we would see in person! However, on a recent trip to Honduras, we found several colonies in the least expected habitat Oculina is a thin delicate branching species of coral…
Caribbean Coral Diaries: Madracis decactis
Madracis decactis Madracis is an attractive species of coral often covered in stout furry polyps. This species, Madracis decactis, grows into compact yellow lobes and is common, although not abundant. Juvenile colonies start by encrusting onto rocks before forming short lobes or branches. As…
Caribbean Coral Diaries: Siderastrea siderea
Siderastrea siderea Siderastrea is one of the easiest corals to identify in the Caribbean, and if you’ve ever been diving or snorkeling chances are you would have found this species. There are two species of Siderastrea in the Caribbean and Siderastrea siderea…
Caribbean Coral Diaries: Manicina areolata
Manicina areolata The look of Manicina areolata can easily be confused between a few different Caribbean corals, and it takes a keen eye to spot this uncommon species. You could easily mistake this for a juvenile maze coral (Meandrina meandrites), or juvenile boulder brain coral…
Caribbean Coral Diaries: Scolymia cubensis
Scolymia cubensis The time has come to write about my favorite Caribbean coral, the Scolymia. There are two species of Scolymia the smaller solitary disk coral, (Scolymia cubensis), and the large fleshy disk coral (Scolymia lacera). This article is about the smaller…
Caribbean Coral Diaries: Pseudodiploria clivosa
Knobby Brain Coral Psuedodiploria clivosa, the Knobby Brain Coral, is the third and final species of Diploria brain coral found in the Caribbean. P. clivosa has the thinnest ridges of all three species which grow in a tightly woven pattern. In shallow habitats, Psuedodiploria clivosa can grow into large…