Rice Coral [Montipora capitata]
Description
Montipora capitata, commonly known as Rice Coral, is a species of marine coral in the family Acroporidae. This species is found in the central Indo-Pacific region. They are typically found in shallow, sunlit waters on reef flats and in lagoons. The colonies are encrusting or massive and can reach up to a meter in diameter. It is distinguished by its small, dome-shaped monticules that are covered in tiny papillae.
Taxonomy
| Phylum |
Jellyfish, Sea Anemones, and Relatives
Cnidaria
|
|---|---|
| Class |
Sea Anemones and Corals
Anthozoa
|
| Order |
Stony Corals
Scleractinia
|
| Family |
Acroporidae
Acroporidae
|
| Genus |
Montipora
Montipora
|