Acropora mossambica Riegl, 1995

(Fig. 64)

Acropora mossambica Riegl, 1995: 240–41, figs 8–9.

Type locality. Xai Xai, Mozambique (holotype ORI). MTQ Holdings. Socotra: G56963; Kenya: G59599– 604; Mayotte: G63307; Seychelles: G51888, G59552, G59560, G59573; Mauritius: G51846, G51880; Maldives: G59768, G59869–71, G60380; Australia: G60399, G60401, G60412 South-East.

Species group: nasuta .

Description. Colony outline: determinate, predominantly corymbose. Branches: tertiary branching order absent; length: <25 mm; diameter: 10.0–19.9 mm, 50/50 axial/radial, terete; radial crowding: most touching; axial/radial ratio:>1:10. Axial corallites: greater than three synapticular rings; porous; outer diameter 1.1–2 mm; inner diameter 0.8–0.9 mm; primary

septa to ¾ R. Radial corallites: medium; three synapticular rings; one size or graded; inner wall developed; shape: nariform; openings: ovalrounded; primary septa to ¼ R. Coenosteum: same on and between radials: reticulate; spinule shape: elaborate.

Taxonomic note. This was not included as a valid species in Wallace, 1999. The work of Mangubhai & Harrison (200 6), on reproduction of Acropora species in Kenya has shown it to be a valid species with reproducing populations in that area. Its range may extend into the Pacific Ocean (M. Adjeroud, pers. comm.).

Further literature. Veron (2000).