Pectiniidae

Pectiniidae is a family of stony corals, commonly known as chalice corals. Members of the family are mostly colonial but one species, Echinomorpha nishihirai, is solitary. The name is probably related to the comb-like appearance of the walls of the corallites, which are tall, thin and striated. ^[2] Pectiniids are endemic to the Indian and Pacific Oceans.

Pectiniids have a number of different forms but are basically laminar. The polyps are large and brightly coloured and resemble those of members of the Mussidae family. They are only extended at night. The tentacles are translucent, long and thin and most species also have sweeper tentacles armed with cnidocytes. These corals contain symbiotic micro-algae called zooxanthellae. Pectiniids are sought after for the reef aquarium trade.^[1][3]

Genera

The World Register of Marine Species includes the following genera in the family:^[1][3]

• Echinomorpha - Monotypic, the only species being Echinomorpha nishihirai.
• Echinophyllia Klunzinger, 1879 - There are about 11 species.
• Mycedium Oken, 1815 - Elephant nose or peacock corals. There are about 6 species.
• Oxypora - Chalice or scroll corals. There are about 6 species.
• Pectinia - There are about 8 species.
• Physophyllia Duncan, 1884 Monotypic, the only species being Physophyllia ayleni.

References