Merulina ampliata (NHMW-Zoo3-EV15372)

3D scan of the calcium carbonate skeleton of a stony coral (*Merulina ampliata*). *Merulina ampliata* can be found across the tropical Indo-Pacific ocean, at shallow to intermediate depths, and it is particularly prevalent in lagoons. IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature) attributes this species a conservation status of Least Concern. This specimen, originated from Mauritius, came to the museum in 1881 as part of a donation by Ransonnet. It was scanned as part of a pilot study to identify new morphological traits for species delimitation, and it is not on display in the showrooms of the NHM Vienna. **Specimen**: *Merulina ampliata* (Ellis & Solander,1786) **Inventory number**: NHMW-Zoo3-EV15372 **Collection**: Natural History Museum Vienna, 3rd Zoological Dept., Evertebrata varia Coll. (curator: Pedro R. Frade) Find out more about the NHMW [here](http://www.nhm-wien.ac.at/en). Scanned and edited by Aliah-Noor Hashmi (NHMW) Scanner: Artec Space Spider. Infrastructure funded by the FFG.