Acropora parilis
Quelch, 1886
Description: Colonies are clumps of irregularly curved branches on thick encrusting bases. Axial corallites are small and thick walled. Radial corallites are of one size and have prominent lower lips giving a scale-like appearance.
Color: Brown or blue.
Habitat: Shallow reef environments exposed to wave action.
Abundance: Uncommon.
Similar Species: Acropora aspera, which has similar corallites but lacks an encrusting base, A. abrotanoides, which has a similar growth-form but has rasp-like radial corallites and A. loisettea, which has thin straight branches.
Source reference: Veron (2000). Taxonomic references: Wallace (1994, as Acropora indiana), Wallace (1999).
On a sheltered fringing reef. Calamian Islands, Philippines Photograph: Charlie Veron
Branches are mostly stick-like, with tubular radial corallites. Flores, Indonesia Photograph: Charlie Veron
This species commonly forms extensive stands that may be several metres across. Flores, Indonesia Photograph: Charlie Veron
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Branches are mostly stick-like, with tubular radial corallites. Flores, Indonesia Photograph: Charlie Veron
Skeletal detail. Axial and radial corallites.