Characters: Colonies are encrusting, forming thin irregular laminae. Corallites are shallow, polygonal, and have thin walls. Corallites vary greatly in size. Septa are irregularly fused but do not form deltas. Columellae are very small. Polyps are short and even. Oral cones are exceptionally large while tentacles are short and thin. Polyps retract rapidly if disturbed.
Colour: White oral cones are conspicuous.
Similar Species: Resembles zoanthids underwater. Goniopora columna also has large white oral cones but polyps are elongate and tentacles are thicker.
Habitat: Shallow reef environments.
Abundance: Sometimes common.
Taxonomic References: Veron (2000a); Veron (2002a);
Identification Guides: Turak and DeVantier (2011b);
