De Blainville, 1830
Astreopora myriophthalma (4)
Type species: Astreopora myriophthalma (Lamarck, 1816)
Total number of species estimated: 3-4.
Characteristics: Corals zooxanthellate; they are massive and hemispherical or dome-shaped, otherwise like plates (foliaceous), or encrusting. Polyps based on conical or immersed corallites, which are the widest among the Acroporidae (1-3 mm). Coenosteum with smooth appearance due to fine, evenly distributed, granulated spines and absence of tuberculae (Veron and Wallace, 1984). Colour predominantly cream, brown or greenish; in some species in combination with pink, rose or violet.
Ecology: One common species, A. myriophthalma, usually occurs on upper reef slopes. Others are rare, unless in particular habitats.
Range: Indo-West Pacific.
Additional remarks: Within the Acroporidae, this genus shows the widest polyps.
Key references: Veron and Wallace, 1984; Veron, 1986, 2000.