Class: Anthozoa
Subclass: Hexacorallia

Order: Scleractinia

Family Acroporidae

Acropora

There are different forms of growth, e.g., branching, cluster, bushy, finger-like, etc., that makeup this diverse and popular genus of stony corals. These photosynthetic corals are the most abundant in the entire world. Somewhat difficult to ship and acclimate, but once established most exhibit rapid growth. These small polyp stony (sps) corals (sometimes referred to as "small polyp scleractinian" corals) mostly require intense light (with metal halides being preferable), excellent water flow, do not tolerate hair algae, and can easily be propagated by snapping off branches and relocating in areas of favorable conditions. Unfortunately, their common names leave much to be desired, as they are often related to shape or color, so the following common names are questionable. Among the favorites are: