Found in marine, tropical, reefs on upper slopes where waves are strong, it occurs at depths between 3 and 10 m (9.8 and 32.8 ft).

Acropora polystoma is found in colonies of clumps or of corymbose plates[2] with diameters not exceeding 80 centimetres (31 in).

[3] It is blue, cream, yellow, lavender, or brown in colour, and the branches are similar in size and become thinner towards the ends.

[4] Acropora polystoma is uncommon and found over a large area; the Gulf of Aden, the Indian Ocean, the Indo-Pacific, Southeast Asia, Australia, and the western Pacific.

[1] It is threatened by reef destruction, climate change, rising sea temperatures leading to bleaching, coral disease, being prey to starfish Acanthaster planci, and human activity and infrastructure.