About Pocillopora damicornis (Linnaeus, 1758)
Pocillopora damicornis is a colonial coral that can grow into clumps up to 30 centimetres (12 inches) high. It can be distinguished from other species in the Pocillopora genus by the more irregular arrangement of its verrucae, which are wart-like surface growths. It is more branched than the otherwise similar species P. verrucosa. The form of P. damicornis changes based on its habitat: it grows in a more open, branched form in calm locations, and takes on a more compact form on upper reef areas where water movement is greater. Its color varies, and can be greenish, pink, yellowish-brown, or pale brown. Commonly called cauliflower coral, this species is native to tropical and subtropical regions of the Indian and Pacific Oceans. Its broad range extends from East Africa and the Red Sea to Japan, Indonesia, Australia, Hawaii, Easter Island, and the western coast of Central America. It occurs at depths down to approximately 40 metres (131 feet), but is most common between 5 and 20 metres (16 and 66 feet), and often forms dense patches. It grows equally on reef slopes and in lagoons, among mangroves, and on wharves, but does not occur in areas with strong water movement. Thanks to its very large range, it is one of the most abundant coral species.
