Species · GBIF taxon 5184657
Elkhorn Coral
Acropora palmataElkhorn coral forms vast, golden-brown underwater forests of thick, flattened branches that break the force of incoming waves and protect shorelines from erosion. These structural giants provide critical shelter, breeding grounds, and hunting territories for hundreds of Caribbean reef fish and invertebrates. While they rely heavily on symbiotic algae for energy, they also capture drifting plankton using tiny, stinging tentacles at night.
Reef-BuildingCritically EndangeredMarine
Licensed referenceNhobgood Nick Hobgood / CC BY-SA 3.0 · cc-by-sa
- diet
- Photosynthetic sugars from zooxanthellae and microscopic zooplankton
- family
- Acroporidae
- threats
- Climate change, white band disease, pollution, and physical storm damage
- life Span
- Centuries through continuous fragmentation and growth
CR
Sharp skeletons can cause painful, easily infected scrapes; avoid physical contact and maintain neutral buoyancy.
Critically Endangered due to extreme population declines from disease outbreaks, bleaching events, and habitat degradation.
Never anchor boats on or near the reef, and report any sightings of healthy colonies to local conservation databases.- Look but do not touch: Keep a safe distance of at least two meters to prevent accidental contact with fragile branches.
- Choose reef-safe sunscreen: Use mineral-based sunscreens containing non-nano zinc oxide to avoid chemical bleaching.
- Practice buoyancy control: Ensure your fins and gear do not scrape the reef substrate while snorkeling or diving.