1. Millepora alcicornis

Millepora alcicornis forms colonies that are branched or, more rarely, encrusted. Laborel (1969a) describes three varieties of this species in relation to the energy and turbidity of the water. The variety cellulosa has abundant, sometimes coalescent, branches with acute ends. It is usually found on the borders and high parts of the reefs in high energy zones or in waters that are moderately turbid. The variety digitata is the most common form, with fingerlike, short and slightly compressed

branches. The variety fenestrata has delicate, always coalescent, branches that leave numerous openings. This last form is abundant in relatively clear and calm waters. The encrusting form creates low crusts on the dead surface of reefs or on the axial stem of gorgonians. This species has a tan to brownish yellow color when alive.

Millepora alcicornis is abundant at depths less than 15 m. It is an important constructor of the high parts of reefs. It occurs from Ceará to the coast of Rio de Janeiro, including the Fernando de Noronha islands and the Rocas Atoll.

[index] [previous] [home] [next] [taxonomy] [map of occurence]