Montipora patula, also called the sandpaper or ringed rice coral, is a coral species in the family Acroporidae endemic to Hawaii and is considered a vulnerable species.[1]
| Montipora patula | |
|---|---|
Scientific classification 
| |
| Domain: | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Cnidaria |
| Class: | Hexacorallia |
| Order: | Scleractinia |
| Family: | Acroporidae |
| Genus: | Montipora |
| Species: | M. patula
|
| Binomial name | |
| Montipora patula Verrill, 1869
| |
Description
editMontipora patula form small, encrusting colonies or tiered plates that are brownish in color with lighter borders.[2][3] These plates have free edges and can reach over 2 meters across.[4] Corallites are irregular in height and are generally small.[4] Around the corallites are small papillae, that are usually tan in color.[4][2] Polyps are usually purple in color.[3]
Distribution & habitat
editMontipora patula is endemic to the Hawaiian Islands.[3] This species prefers shallow reef environments living along reef flats.[2][4]
References
edit- ^ "Ringed Rice Coral, Montipora patula". www.marinelifephotography.com. Retrieved 2023-01-11.
- ^ a b c "Corals of Hawai'i". Hawai'i Coral Reef Network. Retrieved 2024-03-03.
- ^ a b c "Montipora patula". SeaLifeBase. Retrieved 2024-03-03.
- ^ a b c d "Montipora patula". Corals of the World. Retrieved 2024-03-03.
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