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 Edit this 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

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Montipora 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

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Montipora patula is endemic to the Hawaiian Islands.[3] This species prefers shallow reef environments living along reef flats.[2][4]

References

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  1. ^ "Ringed Rice Coral, Montipora patula". www.marinelifephotography.com. Retrieved 2023-01-11.
  2. ^ a b c "Corals of Hawai'i". Hawai'i Coral Reef Network. Retrieved 2024-03-03.
  3. ^ a b c "Montipora patula". SeaLifeBase. Retrieved 2024-03-03.
  4. ^ a b c d "Montipora patula". Corals of the World. Retrieved 2024-03-03.