831 species

Acropora acuminata

(Verrill, 1864)

Acropora

Oken, 1815

Characters: Colonies are composed of fused horizontal branches, forming small tables. Branches usually have upturned ends which taper to a point. Corallites on horizontal branches are mostly immersed; those on upright branches are usually of two sizes, the larger being tubular, with sharp edges. Skeletons have a permanent dark colour.

Colour: Usually bright or pale blue or brown.

Similar Species: Acropora hoeksemai, which forms colonies of similar shape but has larger branches and less irregular corallites. See also A. abrotanoides, which has larger branches and rasp-like radial corallites and A. valenciennesi, which has large proximal branches.

Habitat: Turbid or clear water on upper or lower reef slopes.

Abundance: Uncommon.

COTW History since Veron (2000a)
  • Family: All families are currently under review
  • Genus/species: No change