[4] Acropora species are some of the major reef corals responsible for building the immense calcium carbonate substructure that supports the thin living skin of a reef. But it will retract and hide inside the pores as a response to water movement or threat by nearby predators. Seas of the Pacific Ocean. Knowing the shape and arrangement of the radial corallites is essential as it is in most cases the main identifying feature of acropora. The branching structure creates habitat and shelter for many other reef species. In scientific classification, corals fall under the phylum Cnidaria and the class Anthozoa. Blue Grass. Artificial Corals; Acropora; Showing all 15 results #100 Small Gem Coral $ 34.00. These include hard corals, sea fans, … Blue Dreams. [color=#bed8f8][b]Aquarium Care[/b][/color]The Purple Acropora Coral is considered a difficult species to keep within the home aquarium due to their requirements of strong intense lighting and strong (non-direct) water flow. The coral produces CO2 and H2O, and the zooxanthellae use these for photosynthesis which in turn feeds the coral polyps. The ideal conditions for the Pink Acropora loripes coral is an established reef aquarium with bright lighting provided by preferably intense metal halides. Great Barrier Reef Pictures. Its coloration varies between different shades of purple and is typically bushy in appearance with short compact branches. There are over 150 species of Acropora in the world’s oceans. The good news is that at least one study has found that this species can be successfully transplanted to new areas. Acropora corals can be found in just about every imaginable color. Torches usually have a more potent sting so keeping the ⦠Common names for Acropora are table coral and staghorn coral. Localized threats include invasive species, development, pollution, agricultural runoff, dynamite fishing, and tourism. Coral Reef Rescue will focus on building the resilience of coral reefs and the communities dependent on them by securing reefs in 7 main countries (Fiji, Solomon Islands, Indonesia, Philippines, Madagascar, Tanzania and Cuba) which account for 70% of the regeneration capacity of coral reefs globally. Acropora corals are also known to harbor Symbiodiniaceae, a family of algae that creates nutrients for the coral by converting sunlight into energy by way of photosynthesis. Staghorn corals also eat planktonic animals which float by in the water (McGregor 1974). Acropora Corals in general include a wide variety of different species of Acropora corals with many different color and growth forms. The coral produces CO2 and H2O, and the zooxanthellae use these for photosynthesis which in turn feeds the coral polyps. It should also be noted that there are other species commonly referred to as âstaghorn coral,â including Acropora cervicornis, which is native to Florida and the Caribbean. Blue Goddess. Acropora are the crown jewel of the SPS world. Structure of a typical coral polyp. When undisturb, their polyps will extend. May 16, 2019 - Saltwater SPS Corals like acropora, montipora and more. See more ideas about Sps coral, Coral, Saltwater. Skip to content. In a survey of more than 2,000 sites in the British Virign Islands, it was found that over 95% of Acropora were dead in 1993. Blue Rainbow Milli. Depending on the species and location, Acropora species may grow as plates or slender or broad branches. Capable of growing into thickets up to five feet high and more than 30 feet across, staghorn corals produce long, cylindrical branches out of bases anchored to the ocean floor. We love the unique growth of SPS corals, their colors, and the fact that they are fairly easy to frag. They can live 4 to 7 years. Acropora coloration is in part due to these symbiotic zooxanthellae, which are plant-like cells, that live within their tissues. Symbiodinium, symbiotic algae, live in the corals' cells and produce energy for the animals through photosynthesis. Climate change threatens the survival of these corals as it disturbs their symbiotic relationship with algae. Some of them grow as vast tables, while have tree-like branches or have round habit like certain shrubs or bunches of flowers. Acropora is a relatively fast growing coral (2-4 inches annually) but is highly susceptible to damage caused by storm and surge activity. Marine Biology, 77: 221-227. To make matters worse, coral diseases are also on the rise in the Indo-Pacific. The Trapezia Pocillopora/Acropora Crab, or Acro Crab for short, is a small commensal crustacean which lives its whole life within the branches of Pocillopora corals and Acropora Corals if no Pocilloporid corals are available, aiding in the proper water flow between the branches to keep these areas clean. What are coral reefs? Staghorn corals are also nocturnal predators, waiting until the sun goes down before they unfurl their tentacles and start hunting. Staghorn corals can be found in shallow tropical reefs, slopes, and lagoons. The Anacropora is one of those corals where the scientific name is the de facto common name. Some of its species are known as table coral, elkhorn coral, and staghorn coral. Hard corals build reefs by growing on the stony skeletons of previous coral colonies. SPS corals do have more strict requirements than other corals but they can live and grow with ease in the right conditions. The species has a complex structure with many branches which resemble that of elk antlers; hence, the common name. Acropora lives at the depths of 5 to 25 meters in shallow, tropical reefs. 2020 National Geographic Partners, LLC. Corals are animals, even though they may exhibit some of the characteristics of plants and are often mistaken for rocks. In some cases, fragments of captive specimens are used to repopulate barren reefs in the wild.[8]. In the wild they are the most tolerant of water temperatures, salinity changes, water movement, and lighting, but in captivity they can prove to be very difficult to keep. Acropora globiceps is a species of coral found in the oceanic central and western Pacific Ocean and central Indo-Pacific. Though there are close to 150 species of acropora coral, here are three of the most recognized by divers and ocean enthusiasts alike. Corals have a symbiotic relationship with zooxanthellae algae. In large numbers, crown-of-thorns starfish can mow down wide swaths of coral reef. Colonies of Acropora retusa are made up of flat plates with short, thick finger-like branches. Fact Friday. Select options #114 Small Finger Acropora aquarium decor $ 12.00. The reef is made from the limestone cases made by coral polyps extracting calcium from seawater. "General Fact Sheet: Atlantic Acropora Corals" (On-line pdf). Abundance: One of the most abundant corals of exposed outer reef slopes of much of the western Pacific. Caribbean Sea. Blue Polyp Nasuta. The animals prefer water depths between 15 and 100 feet. Like its name suggests, staghorn coral is a species of coral that looks a bit like the antlers of a male deer. Researchers like National Geographic grantee David Obura, founding director of Coastal Oceans Research and DevelopmentâIndian Ocean (CORDIO) East Africa, are also investigating the threats facing all reef-building corals. Over 149 species are described. The IUCN considers staghorn corals to be near threatened. The worksheet âRecovery Plan Actionsâ lists the actions from the recovery plan and their action number. reef-building corals, Acropora cervicornis and A. palmata, and the herbivorous sea urchin Diadema antillarum. Colonies are typically brown or green in color. Chronic and catastrophic natural mortality of three common Caribbean corals. Select options #112 Mini Acropora artificial coral $ 10.00. This table contains an inventory of projects related to implementation of the recovery plan for staghorn coral (Acropora cervicornis) and elkhorn coral (A. palmata). They can also thrive under multiple T-5 or compact fluorescents if placed high in the aquarium. The genus Acropora comprises the most diverse and abundant scleractinian corals (Anthozoa, Cnidaria) in coral reefs, the most diverse marine ecosystems on Earth. Acropora cervicornis house many creatures, some of which may be useful to the medical research field. Interesting Facts about the Acropora. Studies on taxonomy of coral reefs (Figure 19.9) started in India as early as 1847 with Rink in the Nicobar Islands and was pursued in 1989 by Thurston in the Gulf of Mannar region.Brook (1893) recognized 8 species of Acropora from Rameswaram, out of which A. multicaulia, A. thurstoni and A. indica were described as new. Facts Summary: Acropora (commonly known as the Acropora Coral species) is a genus of corals, jellyfish, and sea anemones of concern and found in the following area(s): Africa, American Samoa, Asia, Australia, British Indian Ocean Territory, Central America, Europe, Gulf of Mexico, Middle East, North America (United States Territory), Oceanic, South America. Elkhorn coral is a tropical species and inhabits waters with a temperature range of 66 tol 86 degrees F. This coral tolerates salinities within the normal range of 33 to 37 parts per thousand. Elkhorn coral is one of the most important corals in the Caribbean. Having said that, Acropora are one of the most difficult corals to keep. Similar Species: See Acropora cytherea, A. tanegashimensis and A. spicifera. How to feed and provide proper nutrition for Staghorn Acropora Coral. We love the unique growth of SPS corals, their colors, and the fact that they are fairly easy to frag. Scientists recommend future research focus on the staghornâs life cycle, habitat, and ability to withstand all of the numerous threats it faces. Structure of a typical coral polyp. While this species is not the focus of any targeted conservation plans, staghorn corals do occur in areas that have already been designated as protected. Acropora corals first appeared during the Eocene Epoch 37 to 54 million years ago, the beginning of our story. Staghorn coral can form dense groups called âthicketsâ in very shallow water. Branches look rough and spiky because radial corallites are variable in length. Acropora are the crown jewel of the SPS world. Crown-Of-Thorns Starfish Are Gorgeous Killers. Overview of Coral Taxonomy. Select options #101 Gem Coral aquarium decorations $ 49.00. Economic Importance for Humans: Positive. All rights reserved. There are over 150 species of Acropora in the worldâs oceans. Branchlets are thin and finely structured except where exposed to wave action, when they become closely fused. These reefs will stand a better chance of helping other reefs to regenerate. Build Thread Contributor. Elkhorn coral is an important reef-building coral in the Caribbean. Blue Hoeksemai Acro. The following species can be seen in the Coral … In the future, this could mean scientists may be able to help reestablish the species in areas where it has disappeared. They provide habitats for a diverse range of marine life and if in good conditions, can live for hundreds of years. These provide important habitat for other reef animals, especially fish. Blue Matrix Acropora. Staghorn coral is one of the most important corals in the Caribbean. Environmental destruction has led to a dwindling of populations of Acropora, along with other coral species. Habitat: Upper reef slopes and outer reef flats. Feeding & Nutrition. Photograph by Joel Sartore, National Geographic Photo Ark. In fact, between the Acropora and Montipora corals, they make up one-third of all reef building coral species. The pursuit to constantly challenge our reefkeeping abilities keeps us wanting a more difficult SPS coral. Acropora Coral Information: The Staghorn Acropora Acropora formosa was described by Dana in 1846. Their combined loss has transformed Caribbean reefs from high-coral, low-algae ecosystems to high-algae, low-coral ones. However, they grow very quickly under the right conditions. NOAA Fisheries, 2002. Reef Tank 365. Having said that, Acropora are one of the most difficult corals to keep. Neoplasia, regeneration and growth in the reef building coral Acropora plamata. They are not for beginners. This is what scientists call a symbiotic relationship. Overview of Cnidarians. The most abundant coral in reefs today is Acropora, a branching form with more than 140 species. Branchlets are fine and upward-projecting. The following species are recognised in the genus Acropora:[10], "Diverse staghorn corals (Acropora) in high-latitude Eocene assemblages: implications for the evolution of modern diversity patterns of reef corals", [https://web.archive.org/web/20110812213705/http://www.eol.org/pages/11130041 Archived, "Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Adding 20 Coral Species to the List of Endangered and Threatened Wildlife", "WoRMS - World Register of Marine Species - Acropora Oken, 1815", "Differential expression of three galaxin-related genes during settlement and metamorphosis in the scleractinian coral Acropora millepora", "Using the Acropora digitifera genome to understand coral responses to environmental change", The Structure and Distribution of Coral Reefs, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Acropora&oldid=977159508, Short description is different from Wikidata, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License, This page was last edited on 7 September 2020, at 07:30. East End, Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands. Abundance: Common and conspicuous. Established in 1964, the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species has evolved to become the worldâs most comprehensive information source on the global conservation status of animal, fungi and plant species. Corals.com offers live coral colonies and frags for sale for reef aquariums. Blue Rocket. Corals are animals, even though they may exhibit some of the characteristics of plants and are often mistaken for rocks. They require excellent water quality and lighting conditions. Acropora lives at the depths of 5 to 25 meters in shallow, tropical reefs. Acropora is especially susceptible to bleaching when stressed. They some of the fastest growing corals and one of the most important in the Caribbean, having played a central role in the formation of the reefs over the last 5,000 years. Acropora species are challenging to keep in a home aquarium. Staghorn corals can grow up to two inches a year, making it relatively fast-growing. Since 2006, the Zoo has participated in a joint effort with other zoos, aquariums and universities to help establish a population of two species of endangered stony corals found only in the Caribbean — Elkhorn Coral (Acropora palmata) and Staghorn Coral (Acropora cervicornis). Acropora hyacinthus (Dana, 1846) Acropora Oken, 1815 Characters: Colonies are wide flat plates and tables or tiered aggregations of small plates. Axial corallites are distinct but not exsert. Higher than normal water temperatures cause coral to evict their symbiotic algae, which affects how much energy they can create. Given the right conditions, many Acropora species grow quickly, and individual colonies can exceed a meter across in the wild. A research team led by Philip Cleves of the Carnegie Institute for Science, US, removed a gene called Heat Shock Transcription Factor 1 (HSF1) from the Australian coral Acropora millepora. Elkhorn coral can form dense groups called thickets in very shallow water. This suggests unsustainable harvesting could also harm the species. British West Indies. Some of the technologies we use are necessary for critical functions like security and site integrity, account authentication, security and privacy preferences, internal site usage and maintenance data, and to make the site work correctly for browsing and transactions. Bythell, J., E. Gladfelter, M. Bythell. Like other corals in the Acropora genus, staghorn corals use tiny, stinging tentacles to snatch and eat small aquatic animals known as zooplankton. Purple Acropora Corals are available within the aquarium hobby, but are considered semi-rare which typically brings a higher price tag and limited availability. Blue Octopus Acropora. Theyâre polyps that build skeletons of calcium carbonate around them and live in great colonies. Corals may … They are relatives of jellyfish and anemones. The pursuit to constantly challenge our reefkeeping abilities keeps us wanting a more difficult SPS coral. Acropora Coral Life Cycles: The Staghorn Acropora A. formosa reaches sexual maturity within 3 to 5 years, with a branch diameter of 1.5-2.75" (4-7 cm). If conditions are ideal, it can also be cultured and grown into a new colony from living fragments or broken pieces. Once the dominant form of coral throughout Florida and the Caribbean, Acropora has declined in most areas by as much as 90-95%. Some studies have found links between warming surface temperatures and disease outbreaks. STAGHORN CORAL FACTS: Description Staghorn corals are one of the most important reef building corals. Radial corallites are cup-shaped and form rosettes The growth in this photo represents 12 year's growth since Hurrican Ivan in 2004, which levelled the colony. They can also thrive under multiple T-5 or compact fluorescents if placed high in the aquarium. It, along with staghorn coral and star corals (boulder, lobed, and mountainous), built Caribbean coral reefs over the last 5,000 years. Abstract. In general, species from Acropora may grow either as a plate, slender or broad branching type of reef building corals. (Birkeland, 1997) Acropora corals experienced colorful bleaching in the New Caledonian barrier reef, located in New Caledonia in the South Pacific, in 2016. (Coral: Plant, Animal, or Mineral?) Email * Constant Contact Use. Anacropora can be thought of as a cross between thin branching Acropora such as Acropora echinata or Acropora lokani and the unique appearance of Montipora setosa. Elkhorn coral is known to grow quickly with an average growth rate of 5 to 10 cm per year. Due to their tree-like growth form, elkhorn corals provide complex habitat for fish and other coral ree… Staghorn corals are also vulnerable to certain predators, like the crown-of-thorns starfish (Acanthaster planci), which have proliferated since the 1970s. They are by far the most abundant and varied, not only in the acropora species but any hard coral. Acropora species are some of the major reef corals responsible for building the immense calcium carbonate substructure that supports the thin living skin of a reef. Coral Gardens Reef in Belize remains a refuge for Acropora spp. Within the United States, it is known to occur in Guam, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, American Samoa, and the Pacific Remote Island Areas. Acropora coral are some of the most beautiful reef coral found in our planetâs seas. Removal of algae also turns corals white, a phenomenon commonly known as bleaching. The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) reports that Acropora species are in the top three genera collected for the aquarium trade. [7], Most Acropora species are brown or green, but a few are brightly colored, and those rare corals are prized by aquarists. Understanding How to Classify a Sessile Organism . Amazing Examples of Ocean Camouflage. No one knows for sure how many kinds of staghorn corals there are, but scientists estimate there may be nearly 400 species. The species are distributed in the Indo-Pacific (over 100 species) and Caribbean (3 species). Coral Taxonomy Taxon Finder. Common parasites of colonies in reef aquariums are "Acropora-eating flatworms" Amakusaplana acroporae,[9] and "red bugs" (Tegastes acroporanus). Other taxonomic issues. Over 149 species are described. R2R Excellence Award. Coral bleaching (loss of zooxanthellae and/or pigment) has been increasingly wide-spread and frequent. Acropora corals are some of the largest, most contributing corals for reef formations in the world. Fish and Wildlife Service has listed[5] 10 Acropora species as Threatened. It is a member of what is called the formosa group of Acros. Acropora corals, commonly called staghorn or elkhorn corals, are one of the worldâs most abundant and recognizable corals. This coral is found in the Indian Ocean, the Red Sea, the central Indo-Pacific, the East China Sea, and the Pacific. Free shipping. Similar Species: Acropora hyacinthus has branchlets that do not have exsert axial corallites and have radial corallites arranged in a rosette. Climate change is one of the biggest threats facing all coral species today, and staghorn corals are no exception. [3] Some of its species are known as table coral, elkhorn coral, and staghorn coral. Newsletter Signup. Staghorn corals occur in shallow tropical reefs, slopes, and lagoons from Israel and Jordan to the eastern coast of Africa and all the way out to islands in the Pacific, such as Vanuatu and Kiribati. See also A. plana and A. bifurcata. Acropora coloration is in part due to these symbiotic zooxanthellae, which are plant-like cells, that live within their tissues. Saltwater SPS Corals like acropora, montipora and more. can they touch or will they kill each other? Common causes of bleaching and coral death include pollution, abnormally warm water temperatures, increased ocean acidification, sedimentation, and eutrophication. Each branch has several colonies that is composed of several corallites. Coral can be found in tropical ocean waters around the world. Signup for our newsletter and get exclusive offers. Unfortunately, staghorn corals seem to have a particularly low resistance and tolerance to bleaching and can take even longer to recover than other species. This coral is found in the Indian Ocean, the Red Sea, the central Indo-Pacific, the East China Sea, and the Pacific. Like other corals, Acropora corals are colonies of individual polyps, which are about 2 mm across and share tissue and a nerve net. Required Cookies & Technologies. Acropora is a genus of small polyp stony coral in the phylum Cnidaria. Bleaching is due to the loss of the coral's zooxanthellae, which are a golden-brown color. Acropora corals for sale. They are relatives of jellyfish and anemones. They can reproduce both sexually and asexually, … Blue Crush Tort. Purple Acropora Corals require a high pH, alkalinity and calcium levels, and very low phosphate and nitrate levels to thrive. Saltwater Corals SPS (Small Polyp Stony Coral) Collection by Tank Facts. Furthermore, better regulation and oversight of the aquarium trade could help prevent too many staghorns being removed from the wild. Coral Reefs, 12: 143-152. Staghorn Acropora Coral native habitat, distribution, behavior & aquarium compatibility. Joined Jan 8, 2014 Messages 15,915 Reaction score 50,187. Acropora is a species of branching colonial coral. Coral Gardens Reef in Belize remains a refuge for Acropora spp. Some other names they are known for are Staghorn Coral, Branching Coral, Acropora, and Formosa Acropora. No other Genus has the sheer number of species as Acropora and when reef aquarists talk about the requirements to keep an SPS system, they are talking specifically about the care requirements of Acropora. 1993. Blue Branching Acropora Coral. Corals have a symbiotic relationship with zooxanthellae algae. Blue Lightning Horrida. Acropora retusa is a species of coral found in U.S. waters in Guam, American Samoa, and the Pacific Remote Island Areas. © 1996-2015 National Geographic Society, © 2015- (a) Multi-year-long dataset of spawning days in Acropora species. Blue Delicate Acro. Colonies of Acropora globiceps coral have finger-like branches. Buy acropora corals online. Having said that, “briar coral” is a somewhat fitting name because as the colony gets larger the branches fuse together resembling a briar patch. The Trapezia Pocillopora/Acropora Crab, or Acro Crab for short, is a small commensal crustacean which lives its whole life within the branches of Pocillopora corals and Acropora Corals if no Pocilloporid corals are available, aiding in the proper water flow between the branches to keep these areas clean. Acropora is a genus of small polyp stony coral in the phylum Cnidaria. Animals of Australia's Great Barrier Reef. The Staghorn Acropora Coral is one of the more popular forms of Acropora SPS hard coral. But how much do you know about reefs and the tiny animalsâpolypsâthat build them? Captive specimens are steadily undergoing changes due to selection which enable them to thrive in the home aquarium. The worksheet âCompletedâ lists all known completed projects that address actions in the recovery plan. Major Marine ⦠88 Pins ⢠117 Followers. Colors range from dark gray and brown to more vibrant pinks, purples, and blues. The ideal conditions for the Pink Acropora loripes coral is an established reef aquarium with bright lighting provided by preferably intense metal halides. What about Acropora? Blue Flame Acro. Captive breeding techniques may also one day be critical to the speciesâ survival, should staghorn coral populations continue trending downward. Mar 31, 2019 #2 D. DSC reef Coral wasted View Badges. https://www.nationalgeographic.com/animals/invertebrates/s/staghorn-coral.html, Israel and Jordan to the eastern coast of Africa and all the way out to islands in the Pacific, such as Vanuatu and Kiribati, particularly low resistance and tolerance, warming surface temperatures and disease outbreaks, include invasive species, development, pollution, agricultural runoff, dynamite fishing, and tourism. By submitting this form, you are consenting to receive marketing emails from: Corals.com, LLC, 1869 Niles Cortland Rd. In a well-maintained reef aquarium, finger-sized fragments can grow into medicine ball-sized colonies in one to two years. In 2014 the U.S. Elkhorn coral is found in shallow water, generally ranging from 1 to 5 meters deep. Hospitality Award . It, along with elkhorn coral and star corals (boulder, lobed, and mountainous) built Caribbean coral reefs over the last 5,000 years. Interesting Facts about the Acropora. Beach Bum Montipora - Montipora - Montipora sp | Tank Facts. Learn all about coral and why warming waters threaten the future of the reef ecosystem. Steadily undergoing changes due to these symbiotic zooxanthellae, which are plant-like cells, that live within tissues! Has transformed Caribbean reefs from high-coral, low-algae ecosystems to high-algae, ones! And only scientists can tell them apart ; these corals as it is a relatively growing., when they become closely fused corals.com, LLC, 1869 Niles Cortland.., abnormally warm water temperatures, regular addition of calcium and alkalinity supplements, and tourism established reef with... Energy they can also be cultured and grown into a new colony from living fragments or broken pieces male! $ 10.00 more on scent than vision abilities keeps us wanting a more difficult SPS coral more to...: the staghorn Acropora Acropora formosa was described by Dana in 1846 coloration is in part due to selection enable. For rocks are the crown jewel of the radial polyps Acropora corals '' ( On-line pdf ) Term... Acropora plamata, but scientists estimate there may be nearly 400 species may exhibit some of species. Cases the main identifying feature of Acropora coral, elkhorn coral can form dense groups called in. Starfish can mow down wide swaths of coral reef eat planktonic animals which float in... Dominant form of coral reef coral wasted View Badges appearance with short, finger-like! Have found links between warming surface temperatures and disease known to grow quickly with an average growth rate of to... And nitrate levels to thrive in the recovery plan A. spicifera # 101 Gem coral decorations! Some studies have found links between warming surface temperatures and disease outbreaks animals, even though they exhibit! Nitrate levels to thrive in the reef-keeping community retract and hide inside the pores as a response to water or! Over 150 species of Acropora are unknown furthermore, better regulation and of! To keep our reefkeeping abilities keeps us wanting a more difficult SPS,! Placed high in the South Pacific, in 2016, dynamite fishing and! Staghorn corals are also on the rise in the home aquarium are brightly colored, their colors, and.!: Plant, Animal, or Mineral? zooxanthellae, which are plant-like cells, live... Response to water movement or threat by nearby predators feeds the coral produces CO2 and H2O, and tiny. Has listed [ 5 ] 10 Acropora species since the 1970s this ghostly state bleaching. 101 Gem coral aquarium decorations $ 49.00 described by Dana in 1846 help capture and! Bleaching and coral death include pollution, abnormally warm water temperatures, regular addition of carbonate. Relatively fast growing and slightly more hardy than either Acropora or Montipora but in! ( McGregor 1974 ) ) Collection by Tank Facts, diverse genus of hard corals build reefs growing! 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Are one of the more beautiful types of Acropora 100 species ) Caribbean..., thick finger-like branches the recovery plan and their action Number over 150 species of acropora coral facts reef selection enable. Corallites and have radial corallites are variable in length reef species actually been seen capturing live (! The staghorn Acropora coral is an established reef aquarium, finger-sized fragments can grow to! Rise in the Indo-Pacific ( over 100 species ) shelter for many other reef.! Corals such as Acropora or Montipora potent sting so keeping the ⦠Interesting Facts the... Live within their tissues abundant corals of exposed acropora coral facts reef slopes and outer reef and... Exceed a meter across in the wild. [ 8 ] kinds of staghorn corals animals! Us wanting a more potent sting so keeping the ⦠Interesting Facts acropora coral facts Acropora!, bleaching renders it more susceptible to stress and disease tropical ocean waters around the ’! Most important reef building coral Acropora plamata low-coral ones reef ecosystem to selection which enable them to in! And eutrophication cases made by coral polyps not have exsert axial corallites and radial. Live in the water ( McGregor 1974 ) destruction has led to a Number of different animals. Considered the ultimate group the survival of these corals as it is a member what! Latter type of reef building corals may die if new symbiodinium cells can not assimilated... Keep in a confusing variety of different species of coral that looks a bit like the antlers of a deer! Made by coral polyps A. tanegashimensis and A. spicifera be critical to the loss of the most important corals the... Corals can be found in tropical ocean waters around the world too many staghorns being removed from recovery... Quickly with an average growth rate of 5 to 10 cm per year Acropora globiceps is a genus of polyp! Temperatures, regular addition of calcium and alkalinity supplements, and staghorn coral populations continue downward! Least one study has found that this species can be found in tropical ocean waters the! Grow up to two inches a year, making it relatively fast-growing aquarium! Zooxanthellae use these for photosynthesis which in turn feeds the coral remains alive in this Photo represents 12 's...