Acropora polystoma
Brook, 1891
This species shows wide geographic variation. Colonies in the Red Sea are distinctive.
Description: Colonies are irregular clumps or corymbose plates with tapered branches of similar length and shape. Axial corallites are small and exsert. Radial corallites are usually arranged in rows down branchlet sides. They are irregularly immersed to tubular, giving colonies a spiny appearance.
Color: Cream, blue (which may photograph pink) or yellow.
Habitat: Upper reef slopes exposed to strong wave action.
Abundance: Uncommon.
Similar Species: Acropora massawensis. See also A. listeri.
Source reference: Veron (2000). Taxonomic references: Veron and Wallace (1984), Wallace (1999). Identification guide: Veron (1986).
A large colony. Papua New Guinea Photograph: Charlie Veron
A small colony exposed to strong wave action. Papua New Guinea Photograph: Charlie Veron
Showing typically tapering branches. Papua New Guinea Photograph: Charlie Veron
Skeletal detail. Axial and radial corallites.
Spiny branches, showing the very irregular shape and size of radial corallites. Great Barrier Reef, Australia Photograph: Charlie Veron