Montipora patula
{{Short description|Species of coral}}
{{Speciesbox
| genus = Montipora
| species = patula
| authority = Verrill, 1869
}}
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.{{Cite web |title=Ringed Rice Coral, Montipora patula |url=https://www.marinelifephotography.com/corals/rice/montipora-patula.htm |access-date=2023-01-11 |website=www.marinelifephotography.com}}
Description
Montipora patula form small, encrusting colonies or tiered plates that are brownish in color with lighter borders.{{Cite web |title=Corals of Hawai'i |url=http://www.coralreefnetwork.com/marlife/corals/acrop.htm |access-date=2024-03-03 |website=Hawai'i Coral Reef Network}}{{Cite web |title=Montipora patula |url=https://www.sealifebase.ca/summary/Montipora-patula.html |access-date=2024-03-03 |website=SeaLifeBase}} These plates have free edges and can reach over 2 meters across.{{Cite web |title=Montipora patula |url=http://www.coralsoftheworld.org/species_factsheets/species_factsheet_summary/montipora-patula/ |access-date=2024-03-03 |website=Corals of the World}} Corallites are irregular in height and are generally small. Around the corallites are small papillae, that are usually tan in color. Polyps are usually purple in color.
Distribution & habitat
References
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Category:Endemic fauna of Hawaii
Category:Animals described in 1869
{{Scleractinia-stub}}