Solitary disk corals
Scolymia spp.
Description:
Coral forms a solitary, large fleshy, circular to oval polyp, attached to the substrate. Underlying skeleton with evident serrated radiating lines. Central area of corallite usually flat to somewhat convex, rarely concave.
Color:
Darker shades of gray to brown, green and blue-green; base color often radially streaked with lighter shades. May fluoresce.
Corallites:
Corallites up to 10 cm in diameter, with about 80 serrated septa. Columella trabecular and discontinuous.
Habitat:
Generally inhabit deep reefs and walls, down to nearly 100 m. Prefer shaded areas on rocky substrates and also grow in low-light conditions under ledge overhangs and in cave openings. Polyp tentacles retracted during the day, but visible at night (Scolymia exposing tentacles).
Distribution:
Occasional South Florida, Bahamas and Caribbean.
Remarks:
Two species of this genus are recorded from the Leeward Island group: Scolymia lacera and Scolymia cubensis. Positive identification requires magnified examination of the septa.