Characters: Colonies are submassive to encrusting, with compact rounded corallites 5-8 millimetres diameter. ‘Groove and tubercle’ formations are well developed. Two cycles of septa clearly alternate; both are thickened over walls and are uniformly toothed. A paliform crown is well developed.
Colour: Uniform brown or brown with green centres.
Similar Species: Phymastrea valenciennesi has a similar appearance underwater and is distinguished by having larger, more irregular corallites.
Habitat: Most reef environments.
Abundance: Common.
Taxonomic Note: Previously in the genus Montastrea/Montastraea. Close to Phymastrea valenciennesi. The remaining two species of Phymastrea warrant separate generic designation.
Taxonomic References: Veron (2000a); Veron (2002a); Budd, Fukami, Smith et al. (2012);
Identification Guides: Turak and DeVantier (2011b);
