Acropora palmata
Elkhorn Coral
Common Names
CR
IUCN:
Scleractinia
Order:
Acroporidae
Order:
Distribution
Commonly found in
reefs, but as a reef building coral, colonies can
grow in isolation of them in open sand.
Ecology
One of the main reef building coral species of coastal reefs
Commonly found in shallow waters between 30 cm to 10 m. The branches are oriented parallel to the direction of the waves,
especially on the windward side of coastal reefs, they tend to develop rounded, robust branches to resist the force of waves and swells. Can cover acres of shallow bottom.
Description
Starting from a large and solid base, these stony coral colonies form long, flat and thick branches, parallel and obliquely inclined in calm waters. They acquire a cylindrical shape when exposed to the contact of currents and waves, and grow up to 10 cm per year. Its surface is covered with small protruding tubular corallites. The small polyps growing from the tips of the branches are white while the polyps on the sides range in color from brown to yellow, on the sides of the branches. Polyps usually contract during the day. Its structure is extremely fragile. It takes 12 years for their colonies to reach their maximum size, growing up to 4 m wide and 2 m high.
Other photos
