Montipora dilatata
Studer, 1901
Description: Colonies are encrusting to submassive and up to 0.3 metres across, with irregular branch-like upgrowths up to 100 millimetres thick which become flattened near their ends. Coenosteum papillae are inconspicuous. Corallite walls are well defined.
Color: Pale to dark brown.
Habitat: Subtidal environments.
Abundance: Rare.
Similar Species: Montipora turtlensis, which does not usually have branch-like upgrowths and has larger, more concentrated papillae. See also M. flabellata.
Source reference: Veron (2000). Taxonomic reference: Vaughan (1907). Identification guide: Maragos (1977).
Colonies have a rough surface of irregular upgrowths. Hawaii Photograph: Jim Maragos
Skeletal detail. Corallites