Injuries and teratological phenomena in the rugose coral Phaulactis

A specimen of Phaulactis sp. from an unknown locality of the Silurian of Gotland shows repeated damages to its epitheca. The breaks have healed in different ways by regeneration of the epitheca or by rejuvenation of the corallite. After the last injury the epitheca grew inwards, forming a roof-like cover over part of the dissepimentarium. During the last phase of life the form of the cake also changed. Possibly, the injuries were caused by fish.