Skip to main content
Glite Dictionary
Oculina

Oculina

9.9
A type of hard coral that forms reefs in the Atlantic Ocean
  • proper noun
  • Specialized
: Oculina
  • The coral Oculina forms large reef structures that provide habitat for various marine species.
  • Oculina coral

Examples

  • The clinging crab, Mithrax forceps, nestled among the branches of the coral Oculina arbuscula.

    Academic text (1998)

  • Researchers discovered a new species associated with the Oculina genus in the Atlantic Ocean.

  • Flabellina oculina.

    20,000 Leagues Under the Sea (1954)

  • Diving enthusiasts often explore the vibrant ecosystems created by Oculina corals.

Surface Forms

Oculina main

Etymology

Oculina comes from the Latin oculus 'eye' plus the ending -ina 'small' or 'related to'. The corals make many small, round cups that look like little eyes, so Oculina is a fitting name for this group of stony corals that form reef habitats.