Distribution: Abundant in the Solitary Islands Marine Park. Distributed around Australia and the western Pacific, north to Japan, south to Norfolk and the Kermadec Islands. Also recorded from the western and northern Indian Ocean. In Australia found from Geographe Bay in southern Western Australia across the tropical north, south through the Great Barrier Reef to the Solitary Islands and Lord Howe Island in New South Wales.

Ecological Notes: Found in shallow or clear water, may be a dominant species in temperate reefs.

Additional Notes: Variable colouration, usually dull green or brown and with valley walls and floors of differing dull or bright colours. Colonies may be submassive or encrusting as shown in these photographs. 

References: Veron, J.E.N., Corals of Australia and the Indo-Pacific. Angus and Robertson Publishers, 1986. Pp. 478, 485-6.