Acropora pulchra
Brook, 1891
Description: Colonies are arborescent with cylindrical branches but may be corymbose, with horizontally fused basal branches which have upturned ends. They may form stands more than 5 metres across. Branches are smaller than those of the large staghorn Acropora species. Radial corallites are of mixed sizes, with projecting lower lips.
Color: Pale to dark brown or blue, often with pale blue tips.
Habitat: Usually restricted to shallow back-reef margins.
Abundance: Usually uncommon but may be a dominant species.
Similar Species: May superficially resemble Acropora formosa and A. yongei, but radial corallites are distinctive. Acropora aspera has similar radial corallites but these are much larger and more scale-like. See also A. loisetteae.
Source reference: Veron (2000). Taxonomic references: Veron and Wallace (1984), Wallace (1999). Identification guide: Nishihira and Veron (1995).
A compact thicket. Houtman Abrolhos Islands, south-west Australia Photograph: Charlie Veron
Sturdy branches in shallow water. Great Barrier Reef, Australia Photograph: Charlie Veron
Skeletal detail. Axial and radial corallites.
A large stand with A. spicifera in the foreground. Houtman Abrolhos Islands, south-west Australia Photograph: Bette Willis