Acropora aspera
Dana, 1846
This species is poorly known.
Description: Colonies are digitate with upright branches which usually divide infrequently and taper only towards their ends. Axial corallites are conspicuous and dome-shaped. Radial corallites are strongly appressed and thick walled, with small openings.
Color: Brown or grey with pale branch ends.
Habitat: Upper reef slopes and lagoons.
Abundance: Locally common.
Similar Species: Acropora ocellata, which has longer branches and more elongate radial corallites. See also A. chesterfieldensis and A. bushyensis.
Source reference:
An extensive stand. Rykuyu Islands Photograph: Charlie Veron
A common branching pattern showing radial corallites and incipient axial corallites. Great Barrier Reef Photograph: Ed Lovell
A thicket in shallow water. Rykuyu Islands Photograph: Charlie Veron
Skeletal detail. Showing corallites.
Corallite detail, showing radial corallites of two sizes. Great Barrier Reef Photograph: Roger Steene