Acropora elizabethensis
Veron, 2000
Description: Colonies are columnar or consist of thick irregular upright branches. Branches divide at infrequent intervals and sometimes fuse. One or more poorly defined axial corallites are formed at branch ends. Incipient axial corallites form along ridges. Radial corallites are tubular and irregular in length, giving branch surfaces a rough texture. The coenosteum is composed of fine spinules with elaborated tips.
Color: Pale to dark brown.
Habitat: Shallow reef environments and rocky foreshores.
Abundance: Common.
Similar Species: Acropora palifera, which does not have fused branches and has a smooth surface without irregularly exsert corallites. See also A. brueggemanni, which does not form thick branches and has well defined axial corallites.
Taxonomic note: This species was previously considered a subspecies of Acropora palifera restricted to subtropical eastern Australia. See ‘New species described in Corals of the World’ (Veron, in preparation) for further information. Source reference: Veron (2000).
Showing the characteristic branching pattern. Middleton Reef, south-east Australia Photograph: Charlie Veron
Branch detail. Middleton Reef, south-east Australia Photograph: Charlie Veron
A small colony on an outer slope. Middleton Reef, south-east Australia Photograph: Charlie Veron
Skeletal detail. Radial corallites.