831 species

Montipora porites

Veron, 2000

Montipora

Quoy and Gaimard, 1830

Characters: Colonies have encrusting bases and irregular branches which seldom fuse. Branching may be open or compact. Coenosteum ridges are very prominent and form a sinuous pattern over branch surfaces. Corallites are deeply embedded between the ridges. The skeletal structure of the corallites is Porites-like, with very elongate septa which occasionally fuse.

Colour: Grey or green with pale coenosteum ridges.

Similar Species: Montipora setosa and M. vietnamensis, both of which may have a similar growth-form but both have relatively superficial corallites without well developed coenosteum ridges. See also M. malampaya. Resembles Porites negrosensis underwater and corallites of skeletons are unusually Porites' %}-like.

Habitat: Shallow protected embayments.

Abundance: Rare.

Taxonomic References: Veron (2000a); Veron (2002a);

COTW History since Veron (2000a)
  • Family: All families are currently under review
  • Genus/species: No change