Characters: Colonies frequently exceed 2 metres across and may form extensive single species stands. Branching is arborescent, usually forming thickets. Branches are slender and straight. Sub-branches may occur at irregular intervals. Radial corallites are small, numerous, and of similar size.
Colour: Usually pale grey, sometimes pale brown or cream.
Similar Species: Acropora microphthalma is readily confused with other Acropora if these develop staghorn-like growth-forms. It is closest to A. copiosa and sturdy forms of A. parilis, the latter being distinguished by having widely spaced, elongate radial corallites. See also A. horrida, A. vaughani.
Habitat: Upper reef slopes, also turbid water and sandy lagoons.
Abundance: Common and may be a dominant species in shallow water.
Taxonomic Note: A species complex.
Taxonomic References: Wallace (1978); Veron and Wallace (1984); Wallace (1999); Veron (2000a); Wallace, Done and Muir (2012);
Identification Guides: Veron (1986a); Nishihira and Veron (1995); Pillay, Terashima, Venkatasami et al. (2002); Turak and DeVantier (2011b);
