Acropora caroliniana facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Acropora caroliniana |
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Acropora caroliniana is a type of coral that lives in the ocean. It's part of a group called acroporid corals. This coral was first described by a scientist named Nemenzo in 1976.
It lives in warm, shallow parts of coral reefs, usually about 5 to 25 m (16 to 82 ft) deep. Sadly, Acropora caroliniana is considered a vulnerable species by the IUCN Red List. This means its population is shrinking. Even though it's rare, it can be found in many places, including two-thirds of Indonesia.
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What Does Acropora caroliniana Look Like?
Acropora caroliniana corals grow in thick, flat shapes. They have branches that spread out horizontally. These corals can be light green, pale blue, or white-brown. They also have small branchlets.
Coral Structures
The main branches have large "axial corallites." These are like small tubes at the tips of the branches. They can be up to 1.7 to 3.5 millimetres (0.067 to 0.138 in) wide. These tubes get narrower at the ends and curve upwards.
The coral also has smaller "radial corallites." These are tiny, pocket-like structures along the sides of the branches. Acropora caroliniana looks similar to other corals like Acropora lokani and Acropora loripes.
Where It Lives and Grows
This coral prefers the upper parts of tropical, shallow reefs. It lives at depths between 5 and 25 m (16 and 82 ft). It takes over eight years for this coral to become fully grown.
Acropora caroliniana thrives in water temperatures from 25.48 to 27.5 °C (77.86 to 81.50 °F). A single coral colony can grow up to 50 centimetres (20 in) across. Its branchlets can reach lengths of 25 millimetres (0.98 in) and widths of 8 millimetres (0.31 in).
Where Can You Find Acropora caroliniana?
Acropora caroliniana is not very common, but it is found in a wide range of places. You can find it in the waters around Australia, the western Pacific Ocean, and the wider Indo-Pacific region. It also lives near Pohnpei and Fiji.
Locations and Threats
This coral is found in two-thirds of the regions of Indonesia. It also lives in Papua New Guinea. Unfortunately, Acropora caroliniana faces many dangers.
Its population is decreasing because of several threats:
- Coral reef decline: Coral reefs around the world are shrinking.
- Rising temperatures: Warmer ocean water causes coral bleaching. This is when corals turn white and get sick.
- Diseases: Corals can get sick from various diseases.
- Coral harvesting: Sometimes, corals are collected by people.
- Climate change: Changes in the Earth's climate affect ocean conditions.
- Fishing: Some fishing methods can harm coral reefs.
- Human development: Activities on land can cause pollution that harms corals.
- Pollution: Waste and chemicals in the ocean hurt corals.
- Predators: Starfish like Acanthaster planci (crown-of-thorns starfish) eat corals.
Conservation Status
Sometimes, Acropora caroliniana can be found in Marine Protected Areas. These are special ocean areas where rules help protect marine life. It is listed as a vulnerable species on the IUCN Red List. This means it is at high risk of becoming endangered. It is also listed under Appendix II of CITES, which helps control trade of threatened species.
How Was Acropora caroliniana Named?
The coral Acropora caroliniana was first officially described by a scientist named F. Nemenzo. He did this in 1976 in the Philippines.
