Calathiscus tantillus, a new genus and new species of scleractinian coral (Scleractinia, Poritidae) from the Gulf of Oman

Abstract

Calathiscus tantillus new genus & new species (Scleractinia, Poritidae) is described from several specimens collected along the north coast of the Sultanate of Oman and Masirah Island. The zooxanthellate genus has a massive growth form, although colonies remain very small (< 40 mm). The skeletal characteristics are intermediate between Porites and Goniopora, with calices averaging 1.7 mm in diameter. The polyps, fully extended during the day in most specimens, have a long tubular column topped by a wide conical oral disc surrounded by 15 22 tentacles. The characteristics of this new species and genus are discussed in relation to other genera in the family: Porites, Goniopora, Stylarea, Alveopora and Poritipora.

A Phylogeny of the Family Poritidae (Cnidaria, Scleractinia) Based on Molecular and Morphological Analyses

“…3EF), which is near the type locality of Machadoporites tantillus (Claereboudt & Al-Amri, 2004), were identified as M. tantillus because they are consistent with the original description of this species [23].…”

“…Machadoporites has 15–22 septa and hence fewer than Goniopora [23]. Poritipora skeletal morphology is quite similar to that of Goniopora due to the presence of 24 septa, but the former has smaller corallites and only 2 septal cycles [24].…”

“…Goniopora is easily distinguishable from other genera in the Poritidae, with 3 septal cycles and 24 septa (vs. 2 septal cycles and 12 septa for Porites , Alveopora , and Stylaraea ) and larger corallites [15] . Machadoporites has 15–22 septa and hence fewer than Goniopora [23] . Poritipora skeletal morphology is quite similar to that of Goniopora due to the presence of 24 septa, but the former has smaller corallites and only 2 septal cycles [24] .…”