Kingdom Animalia Class Anthozoa Family Lobophylliidae Rank Species | Phylum Cnidaria Order Scleractinia Genus Acanthastrea | |
Similar Acanthastrea bowerbanki, Micromussa lordhowensis, Blastomussa wellsi, Alveopora spongiosa, Acanthastrea | ||
Acanthastrea hillae is a species of coral that can be found throughout Indo-Pacific waters. This species is moderately common, but is susceptible to coral bleaching and the global decline in coral reef habitat.
Contents
Description
Colonies of Acanthastrea hillae are usually quite small but occasionally reach a diameter of over 1.5 metres (4.9 ft). The corallites are irregularly shaped and may be arranged singly or in short valleys with continuous walls containing several corallites. The polyps are still fleshy when retracted. The colour of this coral may be mottled red, brown or cream, often with the colour of the corallites contrasting with the valley walls.
Biology
Acanthastrea hillae is a zooxanthellate species of coral. It obtains most of its nutritional needs from the symbiotic dinoflagellates that live inside its soft tissues. These photosynthetic organisms provide the coral with organic carbon and nitrogen, sometimes providing up to 90% of their host's energy needs for metabolism and growth. Its remaining needs are met by the planktonic organisms caught by the tentacles of the polyps.
Status
This coral has a fairly wide range and is moderately common throughout its range. It is somewhat susceptible to coral bleaching. The population trend for this species is unclear, but the main threats faced by corals in general are related to climate change and the mechanical destruction of their coral reef habitats; increasing damage from extreme weather events, rising sea water temperatures and ocean acidification. The International Union for Conservation of Nature has assessed the conservation status of this species as being a "near-threatened species". All corals receive protection by being listed on CITES Appendix II.