Acropora monticulosa
Brüggemann, 1879
Description: May form dome-shaped colonies over 3 metres across, composed of isolated subcolonies which are shaped like upturned hands. Colonies (or subcolonies) are digitate, with thick branches tapering to a small axial corallite. Colonies exposed to strong wave action have pyramid-shaped branchlets. Radial corallites are uniform in size and usually arranged in rows.
Color: Blue (which may photograph purple) or cream, usually with pale branch tips of contrasting colours.
Habitat: Upper reef slopes.
Abundance: Sometimes common in eastern Australia, usually uncommon elsewhere.
Similar Species: Acropora humilis, A. globiceps, A. retusa and A. gemmifera.
Source reference: Veron (2000). Taxonomic references: Veron and Wallace (1984), Wallace (1999). Identification guides: Veron (1986), Nishihira and Veron (1995).
A large dome-shaped colony in a shallow wave washed habitat. Great Barrier Reef, Australia Photograph: Ed Lovell
Branches of a colony exposed to strong wave action. Great Barrier Reef, Australia Photograph: Charlie Veron
Branches at approximately the maximum length for the species. Great Barrier Reef, Australia Photograph: Charlie Veron
Skeletal detail. Radial corallites.
Colonies exposed to extreme wave action develop conical branches. Papua New Guinea Photograph: Charlie Veron