About Dendrogyra cylindrus (Ehrenberg, 1834)
Pillar coral (Dendrogyra cylindrus) grows an encrusted base, from which vertical cylindrical columns with rounded tips emerge. This species can reach 3 meters (10 feet) in height, with individual pillars over 10 centimeters (4 inches) wide, though most individuals are much smaller. The corallites (structures from which polyps protrude) are less than 1 centimeter (0.4 inches) in diameter, arranged in shallow meandering valleys separated by low ridges. Unlike most other coral species, Dendrogyra cylindrus typically has its polyps extended during the daytime, so its skeleton is not usually visible. The mass of undulating tentacles creates a furry appearance for the coral, which is usually some shade of beige or brown. This coral is found in the warmer regions of the western Atlantic Ocean and the Caribbean Sea. Within this range, D. cylindrus is common in some areas but rare in other locations that appear to be suitable habitat. Colonies are plentiful around some Bahamian islands and along Jamaica's north coast. It was once common on reefs off the coast of Florida, but populations there have declined due to over-collection. It has not been recorded from Bermuda or the coasts of Panama and Colombia. It usually grows on flat or gently sloping sections of reef, at depths ranging from 1 to 20 meters (3 feet 3 inches to 65 feet 7 inches).
