Acropora kirstyae
Veron and Wallace, 1984
This species shows wide geographic variation.
Description: Colonies are caespitose thickets, composed of masses of fine branches with frequent sub-branches and incipient axial corallites. Radial corallites are tubular and appressed, except near branch tips and irregular in size and shape. They may have flaring lips near branch tips.
Color: Commonly pale orange-brown. Branch tips are usually white.
Habitat: Shallow water protected from wave action.
Abundance: Usually uncommon.
Similar Species: Acropora exquisita, which has thicker branches and more elongate radial corallites.
Source reference: Veron (2000). Taxonomic references: Veron and Wallace (1984), Wallace (1999). Identification guides: Veron (1986), Nishihira and Veron (1995).
An open branched colony. Bolinao, Philippines Photograph: Charlie Veron
Corallite detail. Calamian Islands, Philippines Photograph: Charlie Veron
Well developed thickets on a sheltered reef slope. Ryukyu Islands, Japan Photograph: Charlie Veron
Skeletal detail. Axial and radial corallites.