Eschscholtz, 1825
Herpolitha limax (2)
Type species: Herpolitha limacina (Lamarck, 1801) [= H. limax (Esper, 1797)].
Total number of species estimated: 1
Characteristics: Corals zooxanthellate, polystomatous by additional mouths along and alongside central fossa, free-living, elongate. Maximum diameter 62 cm. Septal teeth angular, sharp and each covered by vertical row of granulations. Corallum wall perforate. Costae show granulated costal spines (Hoeksema, 1989). Colour cream, light or dark brown.
Ecology: Most common on reef slopes.
Range: Indo- West Pacific.
Additional remarks: Stomata in rows along(side) central fossa, whereas in Polyphyllia spp. they are more evenly distributed.
Key references: Hoeksema, 1989