Montipora patula

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.

Description
Montipora patula form small, encrusting colonies or tiered plates that are brownish in color with lighter borders. These plates have free edges and can reach over 2 meters across. 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
Montipora patula is endemic to the Hawaiian Islands. This species prefers shallow reef environments living along reef flats.