Acropora Palmata

[29bonsaireef]

A few times a year I travel over to some reefs off the Northern Bahamas to check out these fields of A. Palmata. It's awesome to be able to see these ancient corals still thriving in places. The overall size, and unique structure makes this a favorite of mine, though it's not a "pretty" coral in terms of color.

Here's a few photos of some beautiful colonies.



A cool Diploria Strigosa, with Christmas Worm


and some bonus Ric colonies for the softy junkies

 

[29bonsaireef]

One more

 

[kevin_e]

One of my favorite coral. The structure and coralite structure is amazingly unique. Here's to it one day thriving in it's historic range.

 

[29bonsaireef]

One of my favorite coral. The structure and coralite structure is amazingly unique. Here's to it one day thriving in it's historic range.

Indeed, the coralite structure is amazing. It's hard to find the beauty in a tan/brown coral. Never truly appreciated this coral for what it's worth. Until the first time I sat there and gave it a closer inspection. Bumped it right to the top of my list.

 

[fishybizzness]

It's all in your definition of beauty! I'm from the Caribbean and I find not only our corals beautiful but alot of our fish are amazing as well! Having a million different colors doesn't automatically make you beautiful, sometimes you only see the true beauty when you look closely!

 

[Whisperer]

I wonder if the color will change under artificial lighting in my tank :D.

 

[jda]

I saw one years ago either in Chicago or Atlanta (maybe?). Under artificial light, it was very pretty with light blue tips and tan body. They have a unique structure that is very cool. I think that some of these would be stunners in captivity... maybe someday... I am still kinda young and the conservation efforts are picking up.

 

[29bonsaireef]

Came across a few surviving colonies of A. Palmata while diving the lower keys. Also saw a few nice colonies of A. Cervicornis in a few deeper spots.

Enjoy