Colonies are clumps of thin (up to 6 mm thick) branches. These are often irregularly fused. Corallites are mostly immersed, but have projecting lower lips which give the surface a rasp-like appearance underwater. Colour: Brown or grey, sometimes with white tips. Similar species: Skeletal detail. is similar to that of Montipora?samarensis, but branches tend to have rougher surfaces and are more fused. See also M.?digitata and M.porites. Habitat: Shallow protected reef slopes. Abundance: Common.