Acropora variolosa
Klunzinger, 1879

This is a poorly known species and may have a wider distribution than indicated.
Description: Colonies consist of open thickets of sturdy tapered upright branches. Axial corallites are large and dome-shaped. Radial corallites are of mixed sizes, the largest being tubular and exsert, with thick walls and small openings. The coenosteum is fine.
Color: Brown-purple with pale tips.
Habitat: Shallow reef environments.
Abundance: Uncommon.
Similar Species: Acropora rudis, which has larger branches and larger barrel-shaped corallites, with radial corallites restricted to the upper side of branches. See also A. hemprichii which has thinner branches and smaller corallites.
Source reference: Veron (2000). Taxonomic reference: Wallace (1999).

Branches are thick, with large bulbous radial corallites. Madagascar Photograph: Charlie Veron

Skeletal detail. Radial corallites.
