Acropora cerealis

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Characters: 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. Colour: Mostly pale brown, cream or white, with purple, pink, blue or cream branch tips. 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. Habitat: Upper reef slopes. Abundance: Common.

Source reference: Veron (2000). Taxonomic references: Veron and Wallace (1984), Wallace (1999). Identification guides: Veron (1986), Nishihira and Veron (1995).