The formation of porous anodic films on FVS0812 aluminium alloy has been examined by transmission electron microscopy in order to elucidate the processes of film growth. A complex morphology of film material is revealed containing relatively tortuous, branched and terminated porosity and relatively large cavities. The morphology is associated with the differing anodic oxidation behaviour of the aluminium matrix and silicide dispersion regions of the alloy and the differing chemical stabilities of the resultant film regions. The anodic oxidation of the silicide proceeds more slowly than that of the aluminium matrix, with the production of film material of much finer morphology. The reduced rate of oxidation of the silicide is attributed to the effects of alloying element species in the anodic fi Im material and pore solution. The rate of oxidation of the silicide is sufficient for most of the particles to be oxidized completely during anodizing. However, the resultant film material subsequently dissolves in the pore solution leaving relatively large cavities in the film. The differing oxidation rates of the alloy components, coupled with locally differing film properties, leads to a relatively rough alloy/film interface.