Characters: Colonies are flat and are frequently lobed, up to 3 m across in high latitude localities, usually smaller in the tropics. Corallites are 2-4 mm diameter. Paliform lobes form a neat circle around small columellae. Tentacles are sometimes extended during the day; they are short and are of two alternating sizes.

Colour: Yellow, cream, green or brown, usually pale colours in the tropics and bright colours (green or brown) in high latitude areas.

Similar Species: Astrea rotulosa. Sometimes confused with other 'faviids' with corallites of similar size notably Favia stelligera and Cyphastrea species.

Habitat: Occurs in most reef environments but especially in shaded places such as under overhangs. Also occurs on rocky foreshores of temperate locations protected from strong wave action.

Abundance: Seldom common.