Milne Edwards and Haime, 1849
Leptoseris solida (1)
Type species: Leptoseris fragilis Milne Edwards and Haime, 1849.
Total number of species estimated: 8
Characteristics: Corals zooxanthellate; encrusting to foliaceous. Upright laminae with polyps at one side (unifacial). Polyps (corallites) usually without distinct walls although ridges may be present, larger than 5 mm in diameter, shallow or deeply immersed, with columella consisting of fused trabeculae (Veron and Pichon, 1979). Colour cream, light to dark brown or greenish; some species show a white coral margin.
Ecology: Most common on reef slopes.
Range: Tropical Indo-Pacific and west Atlantic.
Additional remarks: The distinction between foliaceous Pavona and Leptoseris is not clear.
Key references: Veron and Pichon, 1979; Veron, 1986, 2000.