Table Coral

About

Table Coral (Acropora cytherea) is one of the most architecturally recognizable corals in the Indo-Pacific, forming broad, flat platforms that can span impressive widths across upper reef slopes and lagoon environments at depths ranging from just a few meters down to about 25 meters. The colony grows as a thin, horizontal table supported by a central trunk, with fine upward-pointing branchlets tipped by distinctly protruding axial corallites and short radial corallites with open, cup-like openings. In calmer water the structure stays delicate and finely branched, but colonies exposed to stronger surge can develop thicker, more robust forms. Coloration tends toward understated tones, pale cream, tan brown, or a soft blue, so the drama here comes from form rather than color. One thing many keepers notice quickly is that the polyps often extend their tentacles during daylight hours, which is less common in acroporids and gives the colony a slightly fuzzy, animated appearance. In the aquarium this species demands intense lighting and vigorous, turbulent flow to match its natural high-energy habitat. It is firmly in advanced territory. An Acropora for experienced reef keepers who can maintain consistently pristine water quality and stable conditions.