LAUSR

Abstract The scleractinian family Acroporidae is highly diverse in the Indo-Pacific region, and dominates the coral species composition on many reefs. However, live Acroporids are seldom observed in the patch reefs along the eastern Arabian Sea, due to the marginal environmental condition that prevents the establishment of the sensitive ramose corals. A recent survey reveals the presence of two species of Acropora, Acropora cf. polystoma and Acropora efflorescens, in the reef areas of Netrani Island. This is the first report on the occurrence of live and healthy Acropora, in the patch reefs along the central west coast of India, and the first record on the occurrence of A. polystoma in the patch coral reefs along the Indian peninsula and the eastern Arabian Sea.