831 species

Acropora convexa

(Dana, 1846)

Acropora

Oken, 1815

Characters: Colonies are corymbose cushions, with thin elongate uniform branches. Axial corallites are tubular in shape. Radial corallites are all the same size and evenly to widely space on branches. They are labellate, with prominent rounded to flaring lower lips giving a scale-like appearance.

Colour: Dull creamy-brown, sometimes with yellowish axial corallites.

Similar Species: Acropora millepora and A. spathulata both of which have finer branches. A. spathulata forms corymbose clumps with thicker branchlets. A. millepora has rounded radial corallites with less prominent lower lips.

Habitat: Turbid reef slopes and lagoons.

Abundance: Uncommon.

Taxonomic Note: Part of a species complex also comprising Acropora millepora, A. spathulata and A. prostrata sensu Veron (2000a), it is considered to be a valid species here pending further taxonomic review, including of species boundaries. Wallace (1999) designated a lectotype for Acropora convexa at USNM, whilst noting that Dana's syntype series included specimens of A. millepora, A. selago and A. tenuis. Based on this assessment, Wallace considered A. convexa a junior synonym of A. millepora. While recognizing the similarities and nomeclatural issues, this species, as illustrated here, shows consistent differences from those above.

Taxonomic References: Veron (2000a);

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