Blue Rice Coral

Montipora flabellata

Blue Rice Coral, known scientifically as Montipora flabellata, is a coral species endemic to the Hawaiian Islands. It typically exhibits a blue coloration, although it can appear pink in photographs due to lighting conditions. Other color variations include brown and purple. The coral forms encrusting colonies with irregular lobes and small corallites, measuring about 0.5 mm in diameter. Papillae cover its surface and may fuse into ridges, giving it a distinct texture. This species is commonly found in shallow reef environments, particularly in areas exposed to high wave energy and strong water flow. It thrives in the wave-swept shores of Hawaii, often inhabiting depths between 1 and 4 meters. Blue Rice Coral is a broadcasting, simultaneous hermaphrodite, releasing egg-sperm bundles into the water. Unlike many corals, its spawning does not follow a lunar cycle but is instead influenced by temperature, with spawning events occurring sporadically throughout the summer. Currently, Blue Rice Coral is listed as Near Threatened on the IUCN Red List, reflecting concerns about its restricted habitat and potential threats. Divers encountering this coral may find it in reef settings, contributing to the ecosystem's complexity and structure.