Montastrea cavernosa
Linnaeus, 1766
Description: Colonies are massive, forming boulders or domes, or are flat plates. Corallites are variable, but are usually conical and exsert. Long and short septa strongly alternate, with alternate septa joined to the columella.
Color: Commonly green, brown, grey, or orange.
Habitat: All reef environments, especially lower slopes.
Abundance: Common.
Similar Species: None.
Source reference: Veron (2000). Taxonomic references: Laborel (1969), Zlatarski and Estalella (1982), Amaral (1994). Identification guides: Colin (1978), Wood (1983), Humann (1993).
Common appearance of a large massive colony. Bahamas Photograph: Charlie Veron
There is little geographic variation in this species. Abrolhos Islands, Brazil Photograph: Charlie Veron
Showing corallites of a small spherical colony. Belize Photograph: Charlie Veron
Skeletal detail. Showing corallites.
Detail of corallites. Bahamas Photograph: Pat Colin