Pocillopora zelli
Veron, 2000
Description: Colonies form hemispherical mounds or are openly branched. Branches are tall and upright, almost cylindrical in section, becoming flattened towards the tip. Verrucae are widely spaced, short and uniform. Outer branches of colonies may be fused.
Color: Brown with white branch tips.
Habitat: Shallow reef environments and rocky foreshores.
Abundance: Uncommon.
Similar Species: Pocillopora capitata, which has irregular branches and longer, more irregular verrucae. See also P. verrucosa. At a distance, the species may resemble the non-scleractinian coral Heliopora.
Taxonomic note: See ‘New species described in Corals of the World’ (Veron, in preparation) for further information. Source reference: Veron (2000).
Pocillopora zelli (left) adjacent to P. verrucosa (right). Caroline Islands Photograph: Len Zell
This unusual outcrop has colonies with curtains of fused outer branches. When colonies are compacted together, the curtains have a cellular appearance. Kiribati, western Pacific Photograph: Len Zell
Colony with a curtain of branches. Kiribati, western Pacific Photograph: Len Zell
Skeletal detail. Side of a branch.