831 species

Acropora digitifera

(Dana, 1846)

Acropora

Oken, 1815

Characters: Colonies are digitate and commonly form attached plates over one metre across. Branches are small, cylindrical or tapered, and sub-branches are sometimes formed. Axial corallites are small to medium in size. Radial corallites are tubular, uniform in size down branch sides, and usually have slightly flaring lips.

Colour: Purple, pale brown, cream or yellow, often with pale blue (which may photograph purple), cream or yellow branch tips.

Similar Species: Acropora japonica. See also A. humilis, A. gemmifera, and (especially) A. monticulosa, all of which have substantially larger branches.

Habitat: Wave-washed back margins of reefs.

Abundance: Sometimes common.

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