Staghorn coral (Acropora cervicornis)
Key facts
- Scientific name
- Acropora cervicornis
- Common name
- Staghorn coral
- Category
- Corals
- Family
- Acroporidae
- Genus
- Acropora
- Size
- 50–200 cm
- Depth
- 0–30 m
- IUCN status
- Critically endangered (CR)
- Danger level
- Harmless
- Habitats
- reef
- Behaviours
- colonial, sessile
- Ocean zones
- Caribbean
Description
Acropora cervicornis, the staghorn coral, is a branching coral forming iconic Caribbean thickets. Fast growing (10 cm/year) but over 95% lost since the 1980s from disease, bleaching and climate change. IUCN Critically Endangered. Active restoration programs in Florida and Belize.
Photo of Staghorn coral
Frequently asked questions
- How big is the Staghorn coral?
- Staghorn coral (Acropora cervicornis) reaches 50–200 cm in length.
- At what depth can you find the Staghorn coral?
- Staghorn coral is found between 0–30 m deep.
- Is the Staghorn coral dangerous to divers?
- Danger level: Harmless.
- What is the conservation status of the Staghorn coral?
- IUCN status: Critically endangered (CR).
- Where can you find the Staghorn coral?
- Found in: Caribbean.
Other species in the genus Acropora
Sources
- Taxonomy: WoRMS (AphiaID 206989)
- Photos: iNaturalist (CC BY-NC)
- Distribution: GBIF (taxonKey 5184681)
- Conservation: IUCN Red List
- Encyclopedia: Wikipedia