Acropora cerealis
Dana, 1846
Description: Colonies are caespitose or corymbose, composed of branches which interlock in three dimensions. Branches are thin, with most of their width occupied by corallites. Axial corallites are tubular. Radial corallites are tubular and appressed, becoming nariform and conspicuous towards the tips of branches giving colonies a spiny appearance.
Color: Mostly pale brown, cream or white, with purple, pink, blue or cream branch tips.
Habitat: Upper reef slopes.
Abundance: Common.
Similar Species: Acropora plantaginea. See also A. nasuta, which has nariform radial corallites but is corymbose, and A. kimbeensis, which has much smaller corallites and finer branches.
Source reference: Veron (2000). Taxonomic references: Veron and Wallace (1984), Wallace (1999). Identification guides: Veron (1986), Nishihira and Veron (1995).
A compact colony exposed to strong wave action. Great Barrier Reef, Australia Photograph: Charlie Veron
Common colony structure and colour. Ryukyu Islands, Japan Photographs: John Veron
Pale branchlet tips. Ryukyu Islands, Japan Photographs: John Veron
Brightly coloured branchlet tips. Great Barrier Reef, Australia Photographs: John Veron
Skeletal detail. Axial and radial corallites
On a moderately exposed upper reef slope. Great Barrier Reef, Australia Photograph: Neville Coleman