Acropora palmata
Lamarck, 1816
Description: This species forms the largest colonies of all Acropora (commonly 4 metres across, 2 metres high, with bases 0.4 metres thick) with parallel, obliquely inclined, very thick tapered branches. Branches are horizontally flattened towards their extremities. Corallites are tubular and irregular in length. Axial corallites, if formed at all, are indistinct.
Color: Tan or pale brown with white axial corallites.
Habitat: Shallow outer reef slopes exposed to wave action.
Abundance: Usually common and conspicuous.
Similar Species: Acropora prolifera, which is smaller, not elkhorn-like, but has similar radial corallites.
Source reference: Veron (2000). Taxonomic references: Roos (1971), Cairns (1982), Wallace (1999). Identification guides: Colin (1978), Humann (1993).
The icon of the International Coral Reef Society, this is one of the most distinctive of all corals. Cayman Islands Photograph: Paul Humann
Surface detail of a frond. Jamaica Photograph: Charlie Veron
Forming compact wide branches in shallow water. Bahamas Photograph: Neville Coleman
Skeletal detail. Radial corallites on a flat branch.