Acropora hyacinthus occurs in plate- or table-shaped wide colonies that consist of a number of thin branches in a lattice structure.

A. hyacinthus has an average growth rate that ranges from 3–10 centimetres (1.2–3.9 in) diameter increase per year, with much of this variation thought to be a response to temperature, in addition to competition and other abiotic and biotic factors.

[3][4][5] Like most corals, Acropora hyacinthus is classed as a data deficient species on the IUCN Red List, but it is believed that its population is decreasing in line with the global decline in reefs, and it is listed under Appendix II of CITES.

Figures of its population are unknown, but is likely to be threatened by the global reduction of coral reefs, the increase of temperature causing coral bleaching, climate change, human activity, the crown-of-thorns starfish (Acanthaster planci) and disease.

[1] The species was originally described by James Dwight Dana in 1846 as Madrepora hyacinthus.