Acropora lovelli
Veron and Wallace, 1984
Colonies from the Indian Ocean are distinctive.
Description: Colonies usually have compact branches which do not fuse. Upright branches may be tall and have many perpendicular sub-branches. Axial corallites are large and dome-shaped. Radial corallites are immersed on lower branches, becoming appressed to tubular on upper branches.
Color: Pale brown or blue.
Habitat: Shallow protected lagoons and lagoon entrances.
Abundance: Common on subtropical reefs of south-east Australia where it forms extensive stands, rare elsewhere.
Similar Species: Acropora wallaceae and A. florida. See also A. samoensis.
Source reference: Veron (2000). Taxonomic references: Veron and Wallace (1984), Wallace (1999). Identification guide: Veron (1986).
Forming a dense thicket of branches in shallow water. Middleton Reef, south-east Australia Photograph: Ed Lovell
An open branched colony. Elizabeth Reef, south-east Australia Photograph: Ed Lovell
Branch ends with tentacles extended during the day. Elizabeth Reef, south-east Australia Photograph: Ed Lovell
Branch ends. Elizabeth Reef, south-east Australia Photograph: Ed Lovell
Skeletal detail. Axial and radial corallites.