Characters: Colonies are caespitose, composed of thin branches which interlock in three dimensions. Axial corallites are tubular. Radial corallites vary in shape along branches, but are primarily tubular with nariform openings.
Colour: Pale brown or cream.
Similar Species: Acropora cerealis, which has thicker branches and larger, more widely spaced radial corallites. See also A. proximalis and A. inermis.
Habitat: Reef slopes.
Abundance: Sometimes common in Vietnam.
Taxonomic Note: A little known species, Acropora tizardi was considered a valid species by Veron (2000a), and despite uncertainty surrounding the type, is retained here on the basis of both the description of Brook (1892) and original fieldwork. It was considered a synonym of Acropora cerealis by Wallace (1999) and Wallace, Done and Muir (2012). Although similar, A. tizardi is reliably distinguished in the field and most collections by its thinner branches and relatively exert radial corallites. The type series appears to contain both species, that figured by Brook (1892) is inconclusive, and the species complex requires further study.
Taxonomic References: Veron (2000a);
