Acropora awi facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Acropora awi |
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Acropora awi is a type of coral that belongs to the Acroporidae family. Scientists Wallace and Wolstenholme first described it in 1998. This coral lives in the ocean, often found in fringing reefs, on the sides of shallow reefs, and on sandy slopes. It is listed as a vulnerable species on the IUCN Red List. This means its population is shrinking, and it can be easily harmed. While it can be found in many places, there are not a lot of them in any one spot.
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About Acropora awi
Acropora awi corals grow in groups called colonies. These colonies look a bit like bottlebrush plants. They have many branches that grow close together. The coral can be grey-brown or pink-brown in color.
The main polyps (tiny animals that make up the coral) at the tips of the branches are called axial corallites. They are long and can sometimes join with other polyps. On the sides of the branches, there are smaller polyps called radial corallites. These are often described as "pocket-shaped" and are less than 1 millimeter wide.
This coral is similar to other species like Acropora echinata and Acropora navini. It can grow quite large, up to about 1.5 meters (nearly 5 feet) tall.
Where Acropora awi Lives
Acropora awi is found across a wide area. This includes the Indo-Pacific region, Japan, Pohnpei, the East China Sea, Micronesia, and Southeast Asia. It also lives in the Solomon Islands. It is found in two-thirds of the regions in Indonesia. While it was once seen in the Marshall Islands, scientists do not know if any still live there.
This coral lives in marine habitats, especially in coral reefs. It is quite fragile and can be easily damaged. It also does not fight off diseases very well.
Why Acropora awi is Vulnerable
Acropora awi is listed as a vulnerable species on the IUCN Red List. This means it faces a high risk of becoming extinct in the wild. Its population is decreasing. It is also listed under Appendix II of CITES, which helps control trade of endangered species.
The main threats to Acropora awi include:
- The overall loss of coral reefs around the world.
- Rising ocean temperatures, which cause coral bleaching. This is when corals lose their color and can die.
- Diseases that affect corals.
- Being eaten by predators like the Acanthaster planci, also known as the crown-of-thorns starfish.
- Its natural weakness and how easily it gets damaged.
To help protect this species, some Acropora awi corals live inside Marine Protected Areas. These are special ocean areas where human activities are limited to protect marine life.
How it was Named
The species Acropora awi was first officially described by scientists Wallace and Wolstenholme in 1998.
