Elkhorn Coral

Acropora palmata

Explore the Elkhorn Coral (Acropora palmata) species record in The Ark Is Earth, including classification, habitat, distribution, conservation information, and sources.

Summary

The Elkhorn Coral is a branching reef-building coral of shallow, sunlit Caribbean waters in the Americas. Its antler-like colonies provide shelter for fish and other reef life, while symbiotic algae supply much of its energy. Disease, warming seas, storms, and declining water quality have greatly reduced many populations.

Classification in this archive

Animals › Cnidarians › Corals and sea anemones › Scleractinia › Acroporidae › Acropora

Habitat and distribution

Regions in this record: North America, South America

Demonstration note

[DEMO] Elkhorn coral grows in branching thickets that help shelter reef fish and soften the force of waves.