Acropora palmata

(Lamarck, 1816)

Elkhorn Coral

Range: Western Atlantic Ocean: Caribbean

Natural Environment: Inhabits shallow outer reef slopes exposed to wave action and seen to depths of about 65 feet (20 m).

General Husbandry: Not collected for the trade.

Taxonomy:

Kingdom: Animalia

Phylum: Cnidaria

Class: Anthozoa

Subclass: Hexacorallia

Order: Scleractinia

Family: Acroporidae

Genus: Acropora

FYI: Probably the largest growing of all Acropora, with colonies attaining 12 feet (4 m) across and 6 feet (2 m) in height. Has very thick tapered branches and is a protected species!