Echinophyllia
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Echinophyllia (Pectinidae)
Welcome to the Echinophyllia genus landing page. In this section, you will find general information about this genus and tips on how to identify it. If you are looking to confirm an observation made with the Coral Finder, use the image browser below to identify a genus similar to what you saw underwater. Then choose one of the following links for further comparison with similar genera: Echinopora, Mycedium, or Oxypora.
Vital Statistics
- 8 species
- Coral Finder p. 17, 19, 21c
- COTW – Vol 2 p. 322-332
Distribution
Found in Indo-Pacific.
ID Tips
Echinophyllia colonies grow in an encrusting to tiered-plating form, and may be found across all reef zones. Some species are common.
The corallites are mid-sized (5-10mm), may be oval or rounded in shape, but tend to look untidy or irregular. The septa and costae are numerous and clearly seen through the overlying tissue giving a ragged appearance that adds to the irregular look underwater.
(slide show with photos of corallites)
Similar Genera
The Coral Finder lists Echinophyllia in one key group with Echinopora, Oxypora, and Mycedium being possible candidates for confusion.
Similar genera to Echinophyllia (Coral Finder p17&19)
The corallites of Echinopora, Mycedium and Oxypora may be confused with those of Echinophyllia; however, the corallites of Echinophyllia are larger and better developed than those of the other three genera.
Echinophyllia
Similar genus: Echinopora
Similar genus: Mycedium
Similar genus: Oxypora
Ecology
Taxonomic Changes
Learning Resources
Coral Hub
- Pectinidae family page
Links
Suggested Reading – Identification Tools
- Veron, J. E. N. (1985). Corals of Australia and the Indo-Pacific. Sydney: Angus and Robertson.
- Veron, J. E. N. (2000). Corals of the World. Melbourne: Australian Institute of Marine Science.
