Species · GBIF taxon 4944083
Pillar Coral
Dendrogyra cylindrusAlso known as Cigar Coral, Finger Coral
Pillar corals form striking, vertical columns that resemble fingers or cigars rising from the seafloor. Unlike most other hard corals, their fuzzy, hair-like polyps remain extended during the day, giving the columns a soft, velvety appearance. These slow-growing structures provide critical three-dimensional habitat for reef fish and invertebrates in the shallow waters of the Caribbean.
MarineReef-BuildingCritically Endangered
Licensed referenceWikimedia Commons / Public domain · cc0
- diet
- Plankton and photosynthetic products from symbiotic zooxanthellae
- family
- Meandrinidae
- threats
- Stony coral tissue loss disease, ocean warming, bleaching, and physical storm damage
- life Span
- Hundreds of years
CR
Safe to observe at a normal distance; do not touch to protect the fragile polyps.
Critically endangered due to catastrophic declines from stony coral tissue loss disease and climate-induced bleaching.
Never touch, anchor near, or kick up sediment around these fragile, slow-growing colonies.- Maintain buoyancy: Keep a safe distance of at least two meters to avoid accidental contact with fins.
- Look for polyps: Observe during the day to see the unique, fuzzy appearance of extended feeding polyps.
- Report sightings: Document colonies to help researchers track the spread of stony coral tissue loss disease.