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.
With proper use of diving equipment such as facemasks and air tanks, humans can descend into the world where sharks and whales rule; a place of shipwrecks, corral beds, colorful fish and more. But this world is inhospitable and requires a keen understanding for safety.
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
14 May 2008 at 6:24am
Source: Reuters By Ed Harris PORT LOUIS, May 14 (Reuters) - Coral reefs in the Indian Ocean have partly recovered from the 1998 spike in sea temperatures, but climate change will probably hamper future ...
14 May 2008 at 7:27am
PORT LOUIS - Coral reefs in the Indian Ocean have partly recovered from the 1998 spike in sea temperatures, but climate change will probably hamper future conservation, a coral expert said on Wednesday.
13 May 2008 at 8:43pm
CANBERRA - Australia will spend A$3.8 billion ($3.5 billion) to fight climate change, including A$200 million to rescue the Great Barrier Reef, as part of a four-year plan outlined in the government's budget on Tuesday.
13 May 2008 at 7:35pm
9:20 a.m. ? The Department of Agriculture announced the permitting of the harvesting of juvenile jacks (i?e?) or juvenile goatfish (ti?ao) from May 14 to 28 within the Piti Bomb Holes Marine Preserve and Achang Reef Flat Marine Preserve.
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.
