Acropora spathulata is a branching coral (family Acroporidae) native to the Indo-Pacific, particularly the Great Barrier Reef, with colonies displaying a corymbose growth form and spatula-like, flattened branch tips—a morphological feature reflected in its specific epithet. The species inhabits exposed reef crests and upper slopes where wave action and high light intensity prevail. It is currently listed as Vulnerable by the IUCN. Genomic data have been generated for this species and are available in public databases, enabling comparative studies of cnidarian evolution and ecology.