Class Anthozoa Rank Species | ||
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Similar Acropora robusta, Acropora acuminata, Acropora austera, Acropora cerealis, Acropora gemmifera | ||
Acropora abrotanoides is a species of acroporid coral found in Indo-Pacific waters from the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden east to the East China Sea, the central Pacific Ocean and Australia. It is found in shallow coral reefs to a maximum depth of 10–15 m. It is vulnerable to coral bleaching, disease and crown-of-thorns starfish. It is resistant to predation as it has well-developed radial corallite lips. It was described by Lamarck in 1816.
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Description
It occurs in colonies of branches growing across the seabed (prostrate) with vertical outer branches. In the centre of a colony, the branches are fused together—these can be either elongated or conical, sometimes with ends tapering to a point. Its branches contain both axial and radial corallites; radial corallites have been observed as elongated and axial corallites occur in varying numbers. Radial corallites have evolved to have well-developed tips preventing predation. It is green-grey or pink-brown in colour and looks similar to Acropora irregularis.
Distribution
It is classed as a least concern species on the IUCN Red List, but it is believed that its population is decreasing, and it is listed under Appendix II of CITES. Figures of its population are unknown, but is likely to be threatened by the global reduction of coral reefs, the increase of temperature causing coral bleaching, climate change, human activity, the crown-of-thorns starfish (Acanthaster planci) and disease. Acropora abrotanoides is found in the Gulf of Aden, the Red Sea, the East China Sea, the northwest, central and western Pacific Ocean, Australia, and southeast Asia. It also occurs in the southeast Atlantic and eastern and western Indian Ocean.
Taxonomy
It was first described by Lamarck in 1816 as Madrepora abrotanoides.
