Acropora formosa has previously beem synonymized with Acropora muricata. See Wallace (1999) for details of this synonymy. The type specimen of Acropora muricata is lost and Wallace selected a neotype which is also identifiable with Acropora formosa. Veron (2000) stated that the original description of Acropora muricata could apply to any large branching Acropora species, and Veron did not consider there to be a valid reason to apply the name muricata to Acropora formosa, as has been stated in previous classifications. Nevertheless, Wallace's selection of the neotype for Acropora muricata currently establishes Acropora formosa as the senior synonym. However, because the description of Acropora muricata could apply to any large branching species of Acropora, accessions that have been submitted to GenBank under the name Acropora muricata (= Acropora formosa) might not all genuinely represent Acropora formosa. Therefore, the two names, Acropora formosa and Acropora muricata, are currently kept separate in the taxonomy database.Wallace, C.C. (1999) Staghorn corals of the World: a revision of the coral genus Acropora (Scleractinia; Astrocoeniina; Acroporidae) worldwide, with emphasis on morphology, phylogeny and biogeography. Collingwood, NSW, Australia: CSIROPublishing.Veron, J.E.N. (2000). Corals of the World. Townsville MC, Queensland, Australia: Australian Institute of Marine Science.