This is a large group with several genera that were moved in 2021 from the Faviidae and Pectiniidae.  Positive identification of many species is impossible without skeletal examination.  Most are encrusting or massive with large circular or hexagonal calices and strong septal walls, others are brain-like with indistinct calices within sinuous valleys.  They occupy a variety of habitats from estuaries and lagoons to clear outer reefs.

All coral skeletons illustrated are from scientific collections taken prior to 1998.

OCELLATED CORAL

AGASSIZ'S CORAL

 Merulina ampliata

WIDE MERULINA

 Merulina scabricula

ROUGH MERULINA

GROOVED CAULASTRAEA

BRANCHING BRAIN CORAL

Hydnophora grandis

GRAND HORN CORAL

Hydnophora rigida

BRANCHING HORN CORAL

 Hydnophora exesa

COMMON HORN CORAL

 Hydnophora microconos

MICRO HORN CORAL

Pectinia ayleni

AYLEN'S CORAL

Pectinia lactuca

LETTUCE CORAL

Pectinia teres

TAPERING CORAL

Pectinia paeonia

PEONY CORAL

Trachyphyllia geoffroyi

GEOFFROY'S CORAL  

Mycedium elephantotus

ELEPHANT-NOSE CORAL

CHINESE BRAIN CORAL

SMOOTH BRAIN CORAL

ROUGH BRAIN CORAL

FOLDED ECHINOPORA

GEM ECHINOPORA

KNOBBY ECHINOPORA

PACIFIC ECHINOPORA

EDWARD'S CORAL

ROUGH GONIASTREA

MOUNTAINOUS STAR CORAL

LOBED STAR CORAL