Acropora fastigata
Nemenzo, 1967
this species is poorly known and may have a wider disribution than indicated here.
Description: Colonies are small clumps of a few very elongate branches. Each branch consists of a single upright axial corallite which has a thick base and is tapered. The distal tips of axial corallites are smooth and devoid of radial corallites. Below the tip, small radial corallites form a closely encrusting collar. Larger colonies usually have numerous incipient axial corallites.
Color: Tan, with pale axial corallites.
Habitat: Shallow reef environments.
Abundance: Rare.
Similar Species: None. Acropora multiacuta has smaller axial corallites without numerous basal radial corallites.
Source reference: Veron (2000). Taxonomic reference: Nemenzo (1967).
Colonies usually consist of just a few branches. Calamian Islands, Philippines Photograph: Charlie Veron
Skeletal detail. Axial and radial corallites.
The large axial corallites of this species are very distinctive. Flores, Indonesia Photograph: Charlie Veron