Pocillopora acuta is common in a range of habitats, particularly in shallow lagoon habitats. There were numerous colonies in 1-3m of water in Kwajalein Harbor, and it would readily colonize the sides of floating docks at the marina. It is also common on lagoon reefs and pinnacles but can also be seen on deeper lagoon bottom shipwrecks.
This species is not overly susceptible to coral bleaching from warm water, but colonies would bleach if 30°C water stayed around too long in the fall.
The photo below was on a lagoon bottom shipwreck at about 35m depth and was photographed during a coral bleaching episode.
The one below in a patch of soft coral has some resemblance to Pocillopora damicornis.
Created 11 June 2023