Větevník Faraonův

Overview

Acropora pharaonis is a stony coral species first described in 1860. It is widely distributed across the Indian Ocean, including the Red Sea, the Persian Gulf, and the Gulf of Aden, where it typically inhabits sheltered reef slopes and back-reef environments.

Appearance

This species forms large, symmetrical colonies that can grow as expansive horizontal tables or as irregular clusters of interlinked, contorted branches. The branches are pointed and often feature numerous short branchlets, which give the colony a distinctively spiky surface due to the presence of abundant incipient axial corallites. The overall coloration is typically grey-brown, frequently accented by pale tips on the branches. Mature colonies can reach impressive sizes, sometimes exceeding two meters in height.

Distribution & habitat

Acropora pharaonis is primarily found in tropical marine environments. It thrives in sheltered areas, such as upper reef slopes, mid-slope terraces, and lagoons, where it is protected from strong wave action. Its range extends from the east coast of Africa across the western and central Indian Ocean to parts of India, with some reports indicating its presence as far east as New Caledonia and Fiji.