Sinuous cactus corals
Isophyllia sinuosa
(Ellis & Solander, 1786)
Description:
Colonies form oval to hemispherical domes, of 20 cm in diameter. Surface highly convoluted with fleshy ridges and deep, narrow, often closed valleys.
Color:
Colors quite variable, including shades of yellow, green, brown and gray. Occasionally iridescent tints of orange or blue. Ridges and valleys usually of contrasting shades or colors. The thin line along the ridge tops light colored.
Corallites:
Valley width between 20 and 25 mm. Septa continue between neighboring valleys, about 7 to 10 septa per cm. Septa with large and prominent teeth, which are hidden under the fleshy tissue. Columella trabecular and discontinuous.
Habitat:
Inhabit a wide range of shallow water environments, down to 25 meters.
Distribution:
Locally abundant, Florida, Bahamas and Caribbean.
Remarks:
A second species of the genus Isophyllia is recorded from the Leeward Island group: Isophyllia multiflora.