Genus Psammocora

Dana, 1846

Psammocora haimeana (5)

Type species: Psammocora obtusangula (Lamarck, 1816)

Total number of species estimated: 8.

Characteristics: Corals zooxanthellate; encrusting to massive, branching, or columnar. Polyps (corallites) not larger than 3.5 mm in diameter, immersed, with columella consisting of one or more pinnules, without distinct walls (Veron and Pichon, 1976). Colour cream, light to dark brown or grey.

Ecology: Some species common on shallow reef flats in tidal pools, others less common on slopes, in clear or murky water.

Range: tropical Indo-Pacific.

Additional remarks: Can be distinguished from Coscinaraea by smaller polyps.

Key references: Veron and Pichon, 1976; Veron, 1986, 2000.

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