New records of three hard coral species from north-east of Larak Island (Persian Gulf, Iran).

Three species of hard corals including Echinopora gemmacea Leptoria irregularis (Faviidae) and Montipora incrassata (Acroporidae) were recorded for the first time from north-east of Larak Island in the Strait of Hurmoz, Persian Gulf in late 2008. The review of previous studies revealed that these species were new reports from Larak Island situated in the northern Persian Gulf. Of these species only Echinopora gemmacea has previously been reported from the Oman Sea. No evidence of Leptoria irregularis and Montipora incrassata has been reported from the southern Persian Gulf and Oman Sea. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]