Abstract ref. 2009:
 During the Early and Middle Viséan rugose corals again occurred widespread within shallow water marine environments. To some extent they accumulated to form reefal structures. The significance and function of related rugose corals were highly variable. In order to achieve a systematic approach Lower Carboniferous biostromes and biohermes were examined in different geotectonic settings north (Belgium) and south (France: Montagne Noire) of the European Variscian orogenic belt. 
     In the Montagne Noire the Viséan to Namurian sequence is part of large olistoliths originating from an active continental margin. Limestone olistoliths yield different shallow-water communities. Bioherms show a community consisting of calcareous algae, cyanobacteria (e.g. Orthonella), and bryozoans. Accessory brachiopods, corals, molluscs, siliceous sponges, and foraminifers occur. Sporadically there are intercalations of dark, well-bedded pack- and grainstones (part of peri-biohermal facies). Some of the olistoliths yield a rich coral fauna. Most abundant are solitary corals (e.g. Axophyllum), but in some cases colonial forms contributed to the formation of biostromes and small bioherms. They were dominated in changing compositions by Lithostrotionidae, Lonsdaleia and Axophyllum.
These small structures seem to be bound to lagoonal or inter-biohermal settings. 
     In Belgium coral biostromes occur throughout the Viséan. Siphonodendron martini occurs in the capping-beds of the cryptalgal-bryozoan Buildup of Bomal
(Middle Viséan). During the Late Viséan a diverse coral fauna inhabited the microbial mounds of the Campine Basin. From the same interval two biostromes are known form Royseux (northern limb of the Dinant Syncline). These biostromes show important contributions by Lithostrotionidae. 
     In general Late Viséan and Early Namurian coral biostromes and bioherms appear to represent local niches. The reef-building potential seems to be relatively high if rugose corals and encrusting organisms co-occur. 