Merulina Coral (11”x10”) on Metal Stand Nautilus Malea ringens (Swainson

Malea ringens (Swainson

Melongena crown conchs are found in shallow water in the West Indies

The bases of these fronds may be dead while the upper parts are still alive supported by the skeletal tissue below

Sea Fan (18”) on a Mushroom Coral Base (6”)

Most are found in tropical waters

Merulina Coral (11”x10”) on Metal Stand Nautilus Malea ringens (SwainsonThis coral is found in shallow waters on reefs and in lagoons in tropical parts of the IIndo Pacific region. Colonies of this species have vertical, irregular, two sided fronds about 5 cm (2 in) tall and not more than 5 mm (0. 2 in) thick. The corallites housing the polyps are very shallow and form widely separated rows parallel to the margins of the fronds. The bases of these fronds may be dead while the upper parts are still alive supported by the