Characters: Colonies are digitate bushes with an extensive encrusting base. Branches are thick, tapering to a conspicuous axial corallite. Radial and incipient axial corallites are of mixed sizes and are irregularly distributed.
Colour: Primarily blue or purple.
Similar Species: Acropora appressa, which has smaller axial corallites. See also A. humilis, which has larger axial corallites and distinctive radial corallites, and A. anthocercis, which typically has multiple axial corallites.
Habitat: Exposed upper reef slopes and flats.
Abundance: Rarely common.
Taxonomic Note: Although the species illustrated in underwater and non-type images here is distinct, there is doubt over the designation of this name. The holotype of Acropora cophodactyla (Brook, 1892) does not have the incipient axial corallites and more prominent axial corallites typical of this species. As a result the holotype has previously been considered a questionable synonym of Acropora humilis by Veron and Wallace (1984) and Wallace (1999). Further detailed study is warranted and may indicate that this species should be given a new name.
Taxonomic References: Veron (2000a);
Identification Guides: Turak and DeVantier (2011b);
