Family Acroporidae

Table Corals

Table corals compose the most common and diverse group in the Indo-Pacific region but are extremely rare in Hawaii.  Acropora are found off Mana, Kaua'i, French Frigate Shoals, Gardner Pinnacles, and Maro Reef.  FFS appears to be the center of the Hawaiian population and is likely due to larval settlement from Johnston Atoll, 400 miles to the southwest.

 

NORTHWESTERN HAWAIIAN ISLANDS

Acropora cytherea

Rapture Reef, French Frigate Shoals, NWHI

70 feet

Rapture Reef, French Frigate Shoals, NWHI

70 feet

Rapture Reef, French Frigate Shoals, NWHI

70 feet

Rapture Reef, French Frigate Shoals, NWHI

70 feet
Most common species of Table coral at French Frigate Shoals and Maro Reef.  Found throughout the Indo-Pacific.

Acropora paniculata

Rapture Reef, French Frigate Shoals, NWHI

70 feet

The most common Acropora in the NWHI.  Forms large tables at least six feet across.  NWHI & the Indo-Pacific.

Acropora gemmifera

Gardner Pinnacles, NWHI, 30 feet
Uncommon in areas exposed to surge in the NWHI.  Very common in shallow water throughout the Indo-Pacific.

Acropora valida

French Frigate Shoals, NWHI, 30 feet
Uncommon in shallow water in the NWHI.  Indo-Pacific.

INDO-PACIFIC

Acropora millepora

Wakatobi, Indonesia, 30 feet

Uncommon thoughout the Indo-Pacific.

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