Characters: Colonies are digitate and usually small. The size and appearance of branches depends on degree of exposure to wave action, but are always short, closely compacted, with dome-shaped ends. Colonies exposed to strong wave action may have pyramid-shaped branchlets. Corallites are irregular in size, those on colonies on reef slopes are tubular, those on reef flat colonies are more immersed. Axial corallites are small and sometimes indistinguishable. Radial corallites are irregular in size, and are sometimes arranged in rows down the sides of branches.

Colour: Uniform blue (which may photograph purple) or cream.

Similar Species: Acropora gemmifera, which has radial corallites increasing in size down the sides of branches. Colonies exposed to strong wave action have a growth-form similar to that of A. monticulosa. Corallites are similar to those of A. secale and A. retusa.

Habitat: Upper reef slopes and reef flats.

Abundance: Seldom common.