Sclerophyllia maxima

(Sheppard & Salm, 1988)

Vernacular names
English : Maxima cup coral
French : Corail calice maxima

Classification
Class : Anthozoa
Order : Scleractinia
Family : Lobophylliidae
Notes : No subspecies known.

Identification
Colonies are usually composed of very few polyps, solitary polyps seen. Each polyp can reach 10 cm in diameter with a corallite center of 5 cm. Mantle very fleshy with small tubercles and wrinkles. Coloration grey, brown or dark green.

Range and habitat
This species occurs in the western Indian Ocean, from the horn of Africa in Somalia and Djibouti to Yemen, Oman and all the Persian Gulf. Lives in moderately deep turbid waters, in rocky areas, from 5 to 15 meters deep.

Conservation
IUCN RED LIST : NEAR THREATENED
CITES : Appendix II
Status : This species has a small range and specific habitat requirements making it threatened by the slightest climate and habitat changes.
Ex-Situ Programs : None known

Observation

 

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