Acropora donei
Veron and Wallace, 1984
Records of a wider distribution are probably based on mis-identifications.
Description: Colonies are table-like, up to 2 metres across, and consist of masses of fused horizontal branches. Peripheral branches are all horizontal; those towards the colony centre have upturned ends. All branches have blunt ends and are neatly arranged. Radial corallites are usually in two sizes, the larger of which have flaring lips. The coenosteum is coarse, giving a rough appearance to branches.
Color: Green, white, cream, rarely pale brown.
Habitat: Restricted to shallow fringing reefs and upper reef slopes where Acropora diversity is high.
Abundance: Uncommon but distinctive.
Similar Species: Acropora yongei, which has similar corallites but does not have upturned branches.
Source reference: Veron (2000). Taxonomic reference: Veron and Wallace (1984). Identification guide: Veron (1986).
A large table-like colony. Great Barrier Reef, Australia Photograph: Ed Lovell
Side of a large colony. Papua New Guinea Photograph: Charlie Veron
Corallite detail. Great Barrier Reef, Australia Photograph: Charlie Veron
Detail of branches. Great Barrier Reef, Australia Photograph: Ed Lovell
Skeletal detail. Radial corallites.