Acropora cytherea
Dana, 1846
Shows wide geographic variation and is sometimes indistinct.
Description: Colonies are wide flat tables which are usually thin and finely structured. May become thick and robust in turbulent environments. Fine upward projecting branchlets have exsert axial corallites. Radial corallites are short, with open calices. Tentacles are frequently extended during the day.
Color: Uniform pale cream, brown or blue.
Habitat: Upper reef slopes and lagoons.
Abundance: Common but conspicuous.
Similar Species: Acropora hyacinthus has branchlets that do not have exsert axial corallites and have radial corallites arranged in a rosette. See also A. plana and A. bifurcata.
Taxonomic note: This species is divisible into several smaller semi-distinct taxonomic units. Source reference: Veron (2000). Taxonomic references: Veron and Wallace (1984), Wallace (1999). Identification guides: Veron (1986), Nishihira and Veron (1995).
Colonies may exceed 2 metres diameter and extend their growing margins about 20 centimetres per year. Pemba Island, Tanzania Photograph: Charlie Veron
Showing compacted main branches and tall branchlets. Great Barrier Reef, Australia Photograph: Charlie Veron
Most colonies are composed of fine interlocking branches. Calamian Islands, Philippines Photograph: Charlie Veron
Detail of branchlets. Ashmore Reef, Western Australia Photograph: Charlie Veron
Showing well-spaced main branches and short branchlets. Great Barrier Reef, Australia Photograph: Charlie Veron
Showing elongate axial corallites and irregular radial corallites. Calamian Islands, Philippines Photograph: Charlie Veron
Skeletal detail. Axial adial corallites.