Montipora patula
Overview
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.
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.
Conservation measures underway
Other threatened species in ACROPORIDAE
Threatened in French Polynesia
Frequently asked questions
Why is Montipora patula classified as Critically Endangered?
Where does Montipora patula live?
What are the main threats to Montipora patula?
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