Preview
Accession Number
PEH.326P.B.e
Geological Time Period
Tortonian to Modern
Kingdom
Animalia
Phylum
Cnidaria
Subphylum
Anthozoa
Subclass
Hexacorallia
Order
Scleractinia
Family
Mussidae
Genus
Mussa
Species
M. angulosa
Physical Characteristics
The specimen is white with three main 'flowers'.
Description
Miami Beach, Florida; The Order Scleractinia, also known as hexacorals, have about 600 genera staring in the Middle Triassic. The origin of this group is controversial, some think that diverged from surviving rugosids from the extinction in Late Permian and others suggest that the Order Scleractinia came from another anemone that cannot be fossilized. Scleractinians formed small reefs and diversified by Late Triassic. Hexacorals are known for having six primary septa with 60° separations. Mussa angulosa is a colonial, nocturnal coral that occurs in small clusters. Coralites are cone-shaped with tall, thin, and rounded septa. They are often lavender, white, pink, or pale green. This species appears in most reef environments and tolerated turbit environments. They are common between 20 and 80 feet.
Number of Pieces
2
Resources
https://youtu.be/qoZj0lnVc-I?si=5Ng8u0ATwFSZgo30https://reefbuilders.com/2017/04/03/caribbean-coral-diaries-mussa-angulosa/
Measurements (cm.)
11
Ursinus Acquisition Date
5-31-2007
Donor
Dr. E Lee Porter
