Montipora patula
Overview
A detailed profile for this species is sourced from the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species as assessments become available.
Montipora patula faces severe population declines primarily due to ocean warming and acidification, which cause widespread coral bleaching and reduce the species' ability to build its calcium carbonate skeleton. The species is particularly vulnerable to marine heatwaves that have become increasingly frequent and intense across Pacific reef systems. Additional pressures from coastal development, sedimentation, and pollution further compromise remaining populations in shallow reef environments.
Habitat
Montipora patula inhabits shallow coral reef environments in the Indo-Pacific, typically found in lagoons and protected reef slopes at depths of 1-20 meters. The species forms plate-like colonies that require clear, warm waters with adequate light penetration for its symbiotic zooxanthellae.
