Characters: Colonies are arborescent with straight cylindrical branches. These may form stands over 10 metres across and 2 metres high. Branches are either widely separated or compact, depending on space availability. Axial corallites are large and exsert. Radial corallites are outward facing, appressed to tubular, with circular openings. One or more tentacles per polyp are usually extended during the day.

Colour: Brown, blue or pink with pale branch tips.

Similar Species: Acropora muricata, which does not have very large axial corallites but is otherwise similar. See also the larger A. microphthalma, the smaller A. loisetteae and A. copiosa, which has radial corallites of different sizes.

Habitat: Lagoons or reef slopes protected from strong wave action.

Abundance: Common, especially at the Houtman Abrolhos Islands of south-west Australia.