Coral Reef Pictures

Blastomussa

Characteristics

Colonies are phaceloid to plocoid, and consist of a few to large numbers of corallites. Corallites are less than 7 millimetres diameter. Septa are mostly in two cycles of which only the first reaches the columella. Septa have slightly serrated margins. Primary septa may be exsert. Columellae are poorly developed. Mantles, but not tentacles, are extended during the day and may form a continuous surface obscuring the underlying growth-form. Colour: Commonly dark red with conspicuous green oral discs. May also be pink, orange, brown or uniform dark grey with white margins to primary septa. Similar species: Blastomussa wellsi, which has much larger corallites with more numerous septa. See also the faviid Parasimplastrea sheppardi, which is cerioid and has extensive ‘groove and tubercle’ formations.

Family:	Mussidae
Genus:	Blastomussa
Habitat:	turbid reef areas
Distribution:	Widespread
Abundance:	uncommon

Source Reference:

Veron (2000). Taxonomic references: Wells (1961), Chevalier (1975), Veron and Pichon (1980). Identification guides: Veron (1986), Sheppard and Sheppard (1991), Nishihira and Veron (1995), Coles (1996).

Jump Into Scuba Diving For Fun And Adventure

by Tom Sample

Scuba diving opens up an adventure that's unimaginable for those with land legs. The wonders that lie beneath the water's surface are amazing. From the oceans and lakes to hidden caves and more, those who scuba see things that can only be imagined from the land.

Those starting out with scuba are not only advised to take classes, they're generally required for rental of tanks, purchase of air and so on. Diving isn't something that's picked up in 20 minutes either. In fact, even experienced divers continue to take lessons or even prefer to teach them to help themselves stay on top of the game. Remember the world underwater does not belong to humans, so a solid understanding of how to survive is vital.

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Those starting off will find the road to underwater depths takes some time to master. Recreational scuba divers generally stick to depths of 130 feet or less. Training for this is not as intensive as deep water diving since these dives don't generally require decompression stops. When required these stops help the body pressurize to the new environmental conditions. Gravity has a new feel on the body under water than it does on land. Just like riding in an airplane, an adjustment is required. part two