Elephant Skin Coral [Pachyseris speciosa]
Description
The Elephant Skin Coral, also known as Pachyseris speciosa, is a species of hard corals in the family Agariciidae. It is a widespread species that can be found in the tropical waters of the Indo-Pacific area, particularly around Australia, Fiji, New Caledonia, and the Solomon Islands. The coral forms large, flat plates and scrolls, and its surface is covered with a pattern of meandering ridges and valleys that resemble the skin of an elephant. It prefers shallow waters at depths of 1 to 25 m where it can grow under various light conditions. It is a zooxanthellate species, which means it has a symbiotic relationship with the photosynthesizing algae living in its tissues.
Where To See Elephant Skin Coral
No sighting locations recorded yet.
Taxonomy
| Phylum |
Cnidarians
Cnidaria
|
|---|---|
| Class |
Hexacorallians
Hexacorallia
|
| Order |
Hard Corals
Scleractinia
|
| Family |
Pachyseris & Similar Plate Corals
Pachyseridae
|
| Genus |
Leaf Coral
Pachyseris
|
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