Acropora wallaceae
Veron, 1990
Description: Colonies usually have tall open branches which do not fuse. Upright branches have many nearly perpendicular sub-branches which have a third and sometimes a fourth generation of smaller branches. The size of sub-branches decreases in sequence from the base to the tips of main branches. Axial corallites are large and dome-shaped. Radial corallites are mostly immersed on lower branches, becoming uniform and tubular on upper branches.
Color: Brown or cream, sometimes with yellowish radial corallites.
Habitat: Shallow reef environments.
Abundance: Uncommon.
Similar Species: Acropora florida, which has thicker main branches and shorter sub-branches without the formation of a third generation of sub-branches. Acropora lovelli has thinner, more irregular branches (or without a third generation of sub-branches) and radial corallites which tend to be immersed or appressed.
Source reference: Veron (2000). Taxonomic reference: Veron (1990a). Identification guide: Nishihira and Veron (1995).
The characteristic branching pattern. Calamian Islands, Philippines Photograph: Charlie Veron
A small colony exposed to strong wave action. Calamian Islands, Philippines Photograph: Charlie Veron
A compact thicket. Great Barrier Reef, Australia Photograph: Charlie Veron
Skeletal detail. Axial and radial corallites.