The genus Acropora includes several important representatives in the Caribbean (staghorn and elkhorn corals), and numerous species in Indo-Pacific coral reef regions. The common name "staghorn coral" applied to many members of this genus refers to the long branches resembling deer's antlers that are typical of many species.

Members of the genus Acropora are distinguished by the presence of of a single oversized rapidly growing polyp (larger than the colony's other polyps) at the tip of each growing branch.

Many members of this genus are very fast growers, and require strong lighting and good water flow.