Acropora filiformis
Veron, 2000
this species is poorly known and may have a wider distribution than indicated here.
Description: Colonies may be several metres across and consist of upright or prostrate tangles of mostly straight branches. Branches are exceptionally thin and delicate. They divide infrequently. Axial corallites are long and tubular. Radial corallites are mostly small and tubular to pocket-shaped, with sharp edges.
Color: Pale brown.
Habitat: With Acropora derawanensis in shallow reef environments protected from wave action.
Abundance: Uncommon.
Similar Species: Acropora kirstyae, which has thicker branches and corallites with rounded edges and A. derawanensis, which has more irregular branches. Readily mistaken for Anacropora underwater.
Taxonomic note: See ‘New species described in Corals of the World’ (Veron, in preparation) for further information. Source reference: Veron (2000).
This is the most delicate of all Acropora. Colonies consist of exceptionally long straw-like branches. Calamian Islands, Philippines Photograph: Charlie Veron
Skeletal detail. Axial and radial corallites.
Side view of one metre tall branches. Calamian Islands, Philippines Photograph: Charlie Veron