Lettuce Coral
Agaricia agaricitesAlso known as Tan Lettuce-leaf Coral, Common Lettuce Coral, Leaf Coral
Lettuce corals form complex, leaf-like colonies that resemble heads of romaine lettuce, providing critical three-dimensional habitat for small reef fish and invertebrates. They adapt their growth form based on depth, growing as upright plates in shallow water to maximize sunlight capture, and shifting to flat, encrusting sheets in deeper zones. These colonies rely on a symbiotic relationship with photosynthetic zooxanthellae to survive in nutrient-poor tropical waters.
- diet
- Photosynthetic byproducts from symbiotic algae (zooxanthellae) and captured plankton
- family
- Agariciidae
- threats
- Ocean warming, coral bleaching, ocean acidification, and coastal pollution
- life Span
- Decades to centuries
VU
Safe to observe at a normal distance; do not touch to avoid damaging the delicate polyps.
Vulnerable to extinction due to rising ocean temperatures, which cause bleaching, and habitat degradation from coastal runoff.
Never touch, step on, or anchor boats near these fragile colonies to prevent breaking their skeletons.- Maintain buoyancy: Keep a safe distance while diving or snorkeling to avoid accidental contact.
- Look for residents: Search the folds of the plates to spot tiny crabs, shrimp, and gobies.
- Observe the color: Note the tan, green, or brown hues, which indicate healthy symbiotic algae.