Acropora torresiana
Veron, 2000
This species is poorly known and may have a wider distribution than indicated.
Description: Colonies are digitate. Branches are of uniform thickness and straight or slightly curved. Sub-branches are only formed near the base of main branches. Axial corallites are well defined. Radial corallites are short and tubular, of uniform size and are neatly arranged in rows down the sides of branches.
Color: Pale brown with white corallite openings.
Habitat: Exposed upper reef slopes and flats.
Abundance: Rare.
Similar Species: Acropora humilis, which has tapered branches, larger axial corallites and larger, more widely spaced radial corallites.
Taxonomic note: See ‘New species described in Corals of the World’ (Veron, in preparation) for further information. Source reference: Veron (2000). Taxonomic reference: Veron and Wallace (1984, as Acropora sp. 1).
Showing branch pattern and neat arrangement of radial corallites. Great Barrier Reef, Australia Photograph: Charlie Veron
Skeletal detail. Axial and radial corallites.