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Symphyllia is a genus of large polyp stony (LPS) corals, characterized by their massive, dome-shaped or flat colonies with meandroid (brain-like) corallites. These corals are known for their diverse colors and patterns, often with contrasting colors between valley floors and walls. While the genus name Symphyllia is no longer taxonomically valid, with most species now classified under Lobophyllia, it's still used for CITES purposes.
Key characteristics of Symphyllia:
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Colony Shape: Typically massive, dome-shaped, or flat, with meandroid valleys.
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Corallites: Flabello-meandroid (brain-like), with ridges separating valleys, often with contrasting colors.
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Polyps: Each corallite houses multiple polyps, indicated by the many mouth openings.
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Color: Wide range of colors, often mottled, with contrasting colors between valley floors and walls.
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Tentacles: They have long sweeper tentacles that can extend to sting other corals.
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Habitat: Found on reef slopes and in protected areas of reefs.
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Taxonomy: While the genus Symphyllia is no longer valid, it's still used for CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species) purposes, and many species have been reassigned to Lobophyllia.
Examples of Symphyllia species:
Symphyllia valenciennesi (now often classified under Lobophyllia), Symphyllia wilsoni (now often classified under Australophyllia), Symphyllia radians, Symphyllia agaricia, and Symphyllia recta.
Distinguishing Symphyllia from Lobophyllia:
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Corallite Size and Structure:
Symphyllia species generally have larger, more branched corallites with more mouth openings compared to Lobophyllia.
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Valley Ridges:
Symphyllia corallites often exhibit ridges dividing the interior surface (like a brain coral), while Lobophyllia corallites are often more separated.
