How big is the Mediterranean stony coral?

Mediterranean stony coral (Cladocora caespitosa) reaches 10–200 cm in length.

At what depth can you find the Mediterranean stony coral?

Mediterranean stony coral is found between 3–50 m deep.

Where can you find the Mediterranean stony coral?

Found in: East Atlantic, Mediterranean.

Mediterranean stony coral (Cladocora caespitosa)

Key facts

Scientific name: Cladocora caespitosa
Common name: Mediterranean stony coral
Category: Corals
Family: Cladocoridae
Genus: Cladocora
Size: 10–200 cm
Depth: 3–50 m
IUCN status: Endangered (EN)
Danger level: Harmless
Habitats: rocky-reef
Behaviours: sessile, colonial, filter-feeder
Ocean zones: East Atlantic, Mediterranean

Description

Cladocora caespitosa reaches 2 m colony diameter. Largest reef-building hard coral (Scleractinia) in Mediterranean, one of the only true builders of the zone (with Astroides). Massive cushion or mushroom-shaped colonies yellow-green to brown-orange with small tight coralligenous. Lives from 3 to 50 m on hard substrates of Mediterranean. Listed EN by IUCN following 2003, 2018, 2022 summer heat waves causing massive bleaching and mortality. Witness species of Mediterranean climate change. Iconic but threatened wide-angle photo subject.

Photo of Mediterranean stony coral

Frequently asked questions

How big is the Mediterranean stony coral?: Mediterranean stony coral (Cladocora caespitosa) reaches 10–200 cm in length.
At what depth can you find the Mediterranean stony coral?: Mediterranean stony coral is found between 3–50 m deep.
Is the Mediterranean stony coral dangerous to divers?: Danger level: Harmless.
What is the conservation status of the Mediterranean stony coral?: IUCN status: Endangered (EN).
Where can you find the Mediterranean stony coral?: Found in: East Atlantic, Mediterranean.

Similar species

Sources

Taxonomy: WoRMS (AphiaID 135146)
Photos: iNaturalist (CC BY-NC)
Distribution: GBIF (taxonKey 2258965)
Conservation: IUCN Red List
Encyclopedia: Wikipedia