Montipora
Montipora is a genus of colonial corals belonging to the family Acroporidae. They are found in tropical and subtropical waters of the Indo-Pacific region and are known for their diverse and vibrant color patterns.
Common Names
Montipora corals are commonly referred to as "plate corals" or "foliose corals" due to their branching, plate-like, or encrusting growth forms.
Characteristics
Montipora corals are characterized by their unique skeletal structure, which is composed of thin, branching, or plate-like corallites (individual coral polyps). Their polyps are typically small and have a distinctive, star-shaped opening (mouth). Montipora corals can exhibit a wide range of colors, including shades of green, brown, purple, pink, and blue.
Environments
Montipora corals are found in a variety of marine environments, from shallow reefs to deeper waters. They prefer clear, warm waters with moderate currents and sunlight penetration. These corals are typically found on the outer reef slopes, lagoons, and seaward slopes.