Different types of coral reefs

These are pictures and characteristics of different types of corals:



- Boulder Star Coral (Montastraea annularis): Colonies grow in irregular mounds. The long thick columns have enlarged dome tops. The surfaces are rough and in plate-like sheets. Size: 1-10 feet. Color: Green to brown, yellow brown and grey. Habitat: 20-70 feet, they are often the most common coral at this medium depth.

- Boulder Brain Coral (Colpophyllia natans): Colonies form large rounded domes. The surface is covered with a convoluted system of ridges and valleys looking very much like a brain. Boulder brain coral is also commonly known as Giant Brain Coral.Size: 2-7ft. Color: Ridges are brown and valleys are green, tan or whitish Habitat: 20-80ft., they are often found at reef tops.

- Elliptical Star Coral (Dichocoenia stokesii): Colonies form small rounded heads or domes. Individual coralites are large, about 0.5-0.75 inches and protrude up about 0.25 inches. They are often elliptical or in a Y shape.Size: 4-15 Inches. Color: Cream to yellow and brown. Habitat: 12-225 feet.

- Elkhorn Coral (Acropora palmata): Colonies form flattened branches that resemble elk horns. The branches orientated parallel to surge direction. Size: 3-12ft. Color: Brown to yellow brown. Habitat: 1-55ft., shallow areas where there is constant wave action and wave movement

Other coral reef found in http://www.reefrelief.org/image_archive/healthy/healthy_index.html