Leptoria irregularis
Veron, 1990
Description: Colonies are submassive or laminar, up to 1.5 metres across. Valleys are 3-4 millimetres wide, usually perpendicular to colony margins, becoming sinuous towards the colony centre. Septa are irregular, with strong teeth. Columellae do not form centres and are not laminar.
Color: Pale blue-grey to translucent white.
Habitat: Upper reef slopes.
Abundance: Uncommon.
Similar Species: Leptoria phrygia. See also the merulinids Scapophyllia cylindrica and Merulina ampliata.
Source reference: Veron (2000). Taxonomic reference: Veron (1990a). Identification guide: Nishihira and Veron (1995).
A large encrusting colony. Ryukyu Islands, Japan Photograph: Charlie Veron
Detail of valleys. Calamian Islands, Philippines Photograph: Charlie Veron
The common appearance of small colonies. Ryukyu Islands, Japan Photograph: Charlie Veron
Skeletal detail. Showing valleys.