Acropora abrolhosensis
Veron, 1985
Records from the central Pacific are doubtful.
Description: Colonies are arborescent with straight cylindrical branches. These may form stands over 10 metres across and 2 metres high. Branches are either widely separated or compact, depending on space availability. Axial corallites are large and exsert. Radial corallites are outward facing, appressed to tubular, with circular openings. One or more tentacles per polyp are usually extended during the day.
Color: Brown, blue or pink with pale branch tips.
Habitat: Lagoons or reef slopes protected from strong wave action.
Abundance: Common, especially at the Houtman Abrolhos Islands of south-west Australia.
Similar Species: Acropora formosa, which does not have very large axial corallites but otherwise is similar. See also the larger A. microphthalma, the smaller A. loisetteae and A. copiosa, which has radial corallites of different sizes.
Source reference: Veron (2000). Taxonomic references: Veron (1985), Wallace (1999). Identification guides: Veron (1986), Nishihira and Veron (1995).
A large monospecific stand. Houtman Abrolhos Islands, south-west Australia Photograph: Charlie Veron
Variation in branch shape due to space availability. Houtman Abrolhos Islands, south-west Australia Photograph: Charlie Veron
Branches with tentacles extended. Houtman Abrolhos Islands, south-west Australia Photograph: Charlie Veron
Skeletal detail. Radial corallites.
Corallite detail. Houtman Abrolhos Islands, south-west Australia Photograph: Ed Lovell
Skeletal detail. Radial corallites.