Species · GBIF taxon 5184681
Staghorn Coral
Acropora cervicornisStaghorn corals form vast, tangled underwater forests of golden-brown branches that resemble the antlers of a stag. These fast-growing colonies provide critical, three-dimensional shelter for hundreds of reef fish and invertebrate species in shallow Caribbean waters. They reproduce both sexually through synchronized spawning events and asexually when broken branches reattach to the seafloor to start new colonies.
Reef-BuildingFast-GrowingMarine
—observations
—countries
—peak records
Critically EndangeredConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXCritically EndangeredRed List categories, explained →
Diet & prey
- Microscopic zooplankton
- Dissolved organic matter
Predators
- Bearded fireworm
- Coral-eating snail
- Three-spot damselfish
ThreatsClimate change, ocean acidification, coral bleaching, and white band disease
HabitatsShallow fore reefs, back reefs, and patch reefs
Life spanColonies can live for decades through continuous skeletal growth
Size / weightNot available
Classification
- FamilyAcroporidae
- SpeciesAcropora cervicornis
Range data is not available yet.
Interaction riskLow
- Low
- Moderate
- High
- Very high
- Why interaction risk is low
- Safe to observe from a distance; avoid touching to protect the fragile skeleton.
- What to notice
- Look for golden-brown, cylindrical branches with white tips growing in tangled thickets in shallow, clear water.
- Support conservation
- Never touch, anchor near, or kick up sediment around these colonies, and support local reef restoration efforts.
Responsible observation
- Maintain buoyancy: Keep a respectful distance of at least two meters to prevent accidental contact with fragile branches.
- Use reef-safe sunscreen: Chemical sunscreens can cause bleaching; opt for mineral-based alternatives instead.
- Look for nurseries: Scan the branches for juvenile grunts, snappers, and damselfish seeking shelter.
Image unavailableHybrid 
Predator no rights reserved · cc0
Close Relative Nhobgood Nick Hobgood / CC BY-SA 3.0 · cc-by-sa
Close Relative NPS foto - Susanna Pershern / Public domain · cc0
Help improve the field guideSomething wrong?
Checking your Fauna account…Report a name, category, or profile issue for review.