Occurrence of Scleractinian Coral Species Pavona Explanulata (Lamarck, 1816) from Gulf of Mannar Biosphere Reserve, India

Three colonies of hard coral species Pavona explanulata belonging to the family Agariciidaewere first time recorded from Gulf of Mannar Biosphere Reserve, India. Colonies were documented from Krusadai Island on 30th January, 2019. Colonies are sub massive and skeletons are yellowish brown in colour. Polyps of the specimens are extended during the day time. The tip of each polyp gives pale green appearance during the day time. Detailed morphological characteristics and distributional record of Pavona explanulata are described in the present study.

Keywords: New record, scleractinian coral, Pavona explanulata, Krusadai Island, Gulf of Mannar Biosphere Reserve.