Yabe and Sugiyama, 1941
Palauastrea ramosa (3)
Type species: Palauastrea ramosa Yabe and Sugiyama, 1941
Total number of species estimated: 1.
Characteristics: Corals zooxanthellate, branched (occasionally anastomosing) with small, evenly distributed polyps, which are based on immersed calices with a distinct solid columella (Veron and Pichon, 1976). Coenosteum in between calices covered by evenly distributed granulations. Colour predominantly light-brown or cream.
Ecology: Rare, usually encountered on sheltered, sandy bottoms.
Range: Central Indo-Pacific.
Additional remarks: The species resembles the branching Porites cylindrica Dana, 1846.
Key references: Veron and Pichon, 1976; Veron, 1986, 2000.