Oculinidae


Oculinidae is a family of colonial corals.

Characteristics

Members of the family Oculinidae are characterised by having the walls of the corallites being composed of solid walled though rather fragile tubes connected by a smooth skeletal material called coenosteum. The corallites are widely spaced and robust. The septa curve noticeably outward giving the coral a spiky appearance. Many species in this family form a symbiotic relationship with the flagellate protozoa zooxanthellae which live within the tissues of the polyps. These are photosynthetic algae that provide nutrients for the polyps while themselves benefiting from a safe environment and an elevated, sunny position.

Genera

The World Register of Marine Species lists the following genera:
The genera Oculina and Schizoculina are found in the Atlantic Ocean. Most species are uncommon.