Description
Stylophora pistillata, commonly called smooth cauliflower coral or hood coral, is a species of stony coral in the Indo-Pacific region. It has a branching growth form, with blunt-ended branches that thicken and become more massive as the colony matures. Corallites (the individual polyps' stony cups) are conical or hooded and partially submerged in the coenosteum (the stony framework of the colony). These corallites have a prominent, solid columella (the central column) and may have six primary and sometimes six secondary septa (stony plates forming the corallite wall). The coenosteum is covered in fine spinules. Colonies can be cream, pink, bluish, or green.
Key features of Stylophora pistillata:
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Growth Form: Branching, with branches becoming thick and submassive.
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Corallites: Conical or hooded, with a prominent columella and septa.
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Colony Size: Up to 50 cm in diameter.
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Color: Cream, pink, bluish, or green.
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Habitat: Shallow water reef environments exposed to strong wave action.
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Distribution: Indo-Pacific region
