Acropora subulata
Dana, 1846
This species shows wide geographic variation. Colonies from the western Indian Ocean are distinct.
Description: Colonies are large circular tables or clumps often over 2 metres across, with a fine structure consisting of a network of horizontal branches and fine, evenly spaced branchlets. Small colonies are usually cushion-shaped. Axial corallites are tubular with rounded margins. Radial corallites are tubular and appressed.
Color: Usually pale grey or brown, sometimes bright blue (which may photograph purple), purple or green. Corallite lips may be a contrasting colour.
Habitat: Shallow reef slopes with a high Acropora diversity, but protected from strong wave action.
Abundance: Common in shallow water.
Similar Species: Acropora latistella, Acropora valida and A. nana have longer radial corallites which are completely appressed and have smaller openings.
Taxonomic and distribution note: Western Indian Ocean and Red Sea corals are distinctive and are attributed to this species with doubt. Source reference: Veron (2000). Taxonomic references: Veron and Wallace (1984), Wallace (1999). Identification guides: Veron (1986), Nishihira and Veron (1995).
A compact colony in shallow water. Great Barrier Reef, Australia Photograph: Ed Lovell
Branching pattern from the side. Great Barrier Reef, Australia Photograph: Charlie Veron
The common colony shape in shallow water. Papua New Guinea Photograph: Charlie Veron
Side view of branchlets. Sinai Peninsula, Egypt Photograph: Charlie Veron
Upper view of branchlets. Calamian Islands, Philippines Photograph: Charlie Veron
Skeletal detail. Axial and radial corallites.