Common on
shallow reefs exposed to wave action. Compact hemispheres with
stout conical branches tapering to a rounded tip, axial corallites
small, tubular radial corallites of two sizes, large ones increasing
in size toward the base. Color variable, sometimes with branch
tips of contrasting color. Acropora
samoensis has large radial corallites that do not increase in
size below, Acropora retusa
with appressed radial corallites. Indo-Pacific.
All
coral skeletons illustrated are from scientific collections taken prior
to 1998. |