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Phylum Cnidaria > Class Anthozoa > Subclass Zoantharia/Hexacorallia > Order Scleractinia > Family Euphylliidae
Frog spawn coral
Euphyllia paradivisa*
Family Euphylliidae
updated Nov 2019
Where seen? This hard coral with branched tentacles and white tips is sometimes seen on some of our undisturbed Southern shores.

Features: The colony appears to be boulder-shaped, those seen about 20cm or larger. But the colony is not solid (massive). Hidden under the tentacles, the large corallites are branching and trumpet-shaped (phaceloid): long column flaring out at the top (2-3cm). The branching corallites are arranged with the broad, flared portions facing out to form an overall spherical shape. But this feature is usually hidden when the polyps' long tentacles are expanded. Tentacles long (2-3cm) are branched at the tips into masses of ball-shaped and U-shaped tips. Thus resulting in its common name. Colours seen include green and brown with white or bluish tips.

Sometimes confused with other Euphyllia species. Here's more on how to tell apart the Euphyllia species.

Status and threats:
This coral is listed as globally Vulnerable by the IUCN. Like other creatures of the intertidal zone, they are affected by human activities such as reclamation and pollution. Trampling by careless visitors, and over-collection also have an impact on local populations.

Pulau Semakau, Mar 05


Pulau Semakau, Mar 05

*Species are difficult to positively identify without close examination.
On this website, they are grouped by external features for convenience of display.

Frog spawn corals on Singapore shores
On wildsingapore flickr

Other sightings on Singapore shores


Tanah Merah Ferry Terminal, Jun 15

Photo shared by Loh Kok Sheng on facebook.

Pulau Hantu, Jul 20

Photo shared by Shawne Goh on facebook.

Terumbu Hantu, Jul 20

Photo shared by Shawne Goh on facebook.


Pulau Semakau East, Jul 16

Photo shared by Richard Kuah on facebook.

Raffles Lighthouse, May 04

Links

References

  • Danwei Huang, Karenne P. P. Tun, L. M Chou and Peter A. Todd. 30 Dec 2009. An inventory of zooxanthellate sclerectinian corals in Singapore including 33 new records (pdf). Raffles Bulletin of Zoology Supplement No. 22: 69-80.
  • Veron, Jen. 2000. Corals of the World Australian Institute of Marine Science, Australia. 3 volumes.
  • Borneman, Eric H. 2001. Aquarium Corals: Selection, Husbandry and Natural History T.F. H Publications. 464 pp.
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