Acropora sp.
Acroporidae
-5.43333, 123.767
Field Notes
Description:
Acroporids are widely distributed coral species that are found all across tropical oceans. They are fast-growing, which means that they often are the first to occupy open space where coral has been killed either through human influence or natural occurrences. The white tips on the end of the branches are a typical characteristic of all acroporids. Because they grow so quickly, the skeleton forms before the zooxanthellae occupy it, rendering the white tips.
Unfortunately acroporids are also one of the coral families that are most vulnerable to temperature induced coral bleaching (loss of zooxanthellae and host pigmentation). Additionally these corals undergo lethal bleaching, which is bleaching with no recovery as opposed to more hardy families such as poritids that are able to partially bleach and recover once temperatures go back to normal.
Stony corals are the most fundamental part of coral reefs. They build the framework allowing these tropical underwater rainforests to be the most biologically rich marine ecosystems on the planet.
Habitat:
Coral reefs.
Notes:
Unfortunately corals might be facing a grim future. Some scientists predict that we have lost the majority of our tropical reefs within 2050. Coral bleaching caused by climate change and ocean acidification are the two greatest global threats facing corals today. Because corals have limestone skeletons, acidification will have a massive effect on their growth. Additionally corals are incredibly vulnerable to increased temperatures, and climate change is predicted to raise sea surface temperatures significantly over the next decades. On a local scale, over-fishing, coastal development and recless recreational diving can devastate a reef.
Comments (0)
Be the first to comment
Sign in to comment