WoRMS taxon details
original description
(of Acropora (Isopora) Studer, 1879) Studer, T. (1879). Zweite Abtheilung der Anthozoa Polyactinia, welche während der Reise A. M. S. Corvette Gazelle um die Erde gesammelt wurden. <em>Monatsberichte der Königlich Preussischen Akademie der Wissenschaften zu Berlin.</em> 1878: 525–550, pls. 1-5. [details]
original description
(of Madrepora (Isopora) Studer, 1879) Studer, T. (1879). Zweite Abtheilung der Anthozoa Polyactinia, welche während der Reise A. M. S. Corvette Gazelle um die Erde gesammelt wurden. <em>Monatsberichte der Königlich Preussischen Akademie der Wissenschaften zu Berlin.</em> 1878: 525–550, pls. 1-5. [details]
additional source
Wallace CC, Done BJ, Muir PR (2012) Revision and catalogue of worldwide staghorn corals Acropora and Isopora (Scleractinia: Acroporidae) in the Museum of Tropical Queensland. Memoirs of the Queensland Museum – Nature 57: 1-255. [details]
status source
Wallace CC, Chen CA, Fukami H, Muir PR. (2007). Recognition of separate genera within Acropora based on new morphological, reproductive and genetic evidence from Acropora togianensis, and elevation of the subgenus Isopora Studer, 1878 to genus (Scleractinia: Astrocoeniidae; Acroporidae). <em>Coral Reefs.</em> 26(2): 231-239., available online at https://doi.org/10.1007/s00338-007-0203-4 [details]
From editor or global species database
Comparison Although axial corallites may be present in Isopora, they are not as strongly differentiated from radial corallites as in Acropora: there may be multiple axials forming club-shaped or cuneate branches (I. palifera, I. cuneata, I. ginsbergi (F)), single axials forming branches, but with supplementary axials at branch tips (I. brueggemanni, I. togianensis, I. curacaoensis (F)), or no axials present (I. crateriformis). Acropora and Isopora differ in gametic morphology, ova and spermaries being born within mesenterial filaments in Acropora and on stalks in Isopora, also in reproductive mode, Acropora being a spawner versus Isopora a brooder oviparous versus viviparous). Cuneate branches similar to those of I. palifera are seen in fossil Astreopora (A. goethelsi and A. antiguensus Vaughan, 1919). [details]
Description Colony sturdy, branches formed around numerous sxial corallites (I. palifera, I. cuneata, I. ginsbergi) or with one main axial and supplementary axials around the tip (I. breuggemanni, I. togianensis, I. curacaoensis) or no branches formed (I. crateriformis); growth usually indeterminate, sometimes leading to colonies which cover many square metres; radial corallites tubular with dimidiate opening, or conical. Coenosteal spinules distinctive, elaborated meandroid: additional coenosteal decoratiions developed in some species (e.g. I. togianensis, I. crateriformis) and some circumstances (e.g. sometimes in I. palifera). [details]
Diagnosis Acroporidae which are cuneiform, encrusting, or ramose, with multiple axial or leading corallites, or a tendency towards more than a single axial corallite, per branch, and numerous radial corallites. Coenosteum with elaborated meandroid spinules; columella and dissepiments absent. Polyps hermaphrodite, with oocytes and testes (spermaries) borne on separate mesenteries, mature oocytes contained in stalked extensions of the mesenterial filaments. Reproduction by release of sperm followed by internal fertilization and larval development. [details]
Remark For discussion of the role of the axial corallites and other differences between Isopora and Acropora see: Wallace, C. C , Chen, C. A. C. , Fukami, H. and Muir, P. R. (2007) Recognition of separate genera within Acropora based on new morphological, reproductive and genetic evidence from A. togianensis, and elevation of the subgenus Isopora Studer, 1878 to genus (Scleractinia: Astrocoeniidae; Acroporidae). Coral Reefs 26: 231-239. [details]
Status Isopora was elevated to genus from a subgenus of Acropora by Wallace et al 2007, based on consistent genetic, reproductive and morphological differences between the two genera. For nomenclatural and taxonomic history, see: Wallace, C. C , Chen, C. A. C. , Fukami, H. and Muir, P. R. (2007) Recognition of separate genera within Acropora based on new morphological, reproductive and genetic evidence from A. togianensis, and elevation of the subgenus Isopora Studer, 1878 to genus (Scleractinia: Astrocoeniidae; Acroporidae). Coral Reefs 26: 231-239. For original subgenus description see: Studer, T. 1878 Zweite Abtheilung der Anthozoa Polyactinia, whelche wahrend der Reise A. M. S. Corvette Gazelle um die gesmmelt wurden. Monatsberichte der Königlich Preussischen der Wissenschaften zu Berlin 1878:525-550. [details]
From editor or global species database
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