Axial Corallites:
Thick walls
Variable- tubular to spherical
Smooth and rounded
Radial Corallites:
Thick walls
Variable- tubular, spherical, pocket-like
Smooth and rounded
Similar species: Acropora rosaria has a more upright branching pattern, A. appressa has larger axial corallites, A. caroliniana and A. granulosa longer and more exsert axial corallites.
Distinctive trait:
When axial corallites are tubular, often one side of the branch will lack radial corallites (appears smooth) and the other side will have pocket-like radial corallites
Habitat: Found in many environments but particularly common on upper reef slopes