Habitat: Forereef and backreef habitats. Intermediate depths on reefs in low energy areas. Distribution: Caribbean Natural History Notes: Acropora cervicornis and A. palmata are sister species with fossil records dating back to at least 3 to 3.6 millions years. (My) Characteristics: Colonies of cylindrical branches that branch in three dimensions, often forming a dense tangle. Yellow-brown with tips of branches often white. Corallites from abvious bumps on branches.