Image: Scleractinian coral, Thecosmilia trichotoma

Scleractinian coral, Thecosmilia trichotoma, based on fossil from France. Middle Jurassic, 170 million years ago.

Illustrator:

Anne Musser

Rights:

© Australian Museum

Additional information

Scleractinian corals appeared in the Middle Triassic and are the ancestors of modern corals. This species was a colonial coral made up of a number of polyps.

Last Updated: 23 July 2009

Tags corals, reefs, Middle Jurassic, Middle Triassic, dinosaur world,