Acropora donei facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Acropora donei |
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Acropora donei is a type of coral that lives in the ocean. It's part of a group called acroporid corals. Scientists J. Veron and Carden Wallace first described it in 1984. You can find this coral in shallow parts of the ocean, usually on fringing reefs or the upper slopes of other reefs. It grows at depths from about 5 to 20 meters (16 to 65 feet).
The Acropora donei coral is considered a vulnerable species. This means its population is shrinking. It faces threats like diseases and changes in its ocean home. Even though it's not super common, it can be found in many different places around the world.
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What Does Acropora donei Look Like?
Acropora donei corals grow into large groups called colonies. These colonies can be as wide as 2 meters (about 6.5 feet)! They are made of many branches that grow together.
Colors and Shapes
This coral can be cream, white, green, or sometimes a pale brown color. Its branches are usually flat. However, the ends of the branches in the middle of the colony point upwards. All the branch ends are blunt and look neat.
Special Features
You can see small structures on the sides of the branches called radial corallites. The larger ones have flaring lips, while the smaller ones do not. The surface of the coral, called the coenosteum, feels bristly. This makes the coral look rough. There are no other Acropora species that look exactly like Acropora donei.
Where It Lives
This coral lives in warm, shallow ocean waters. It prefers fringing reefs and the slopes of other reefs. Many other Acropora species also live in these areas. It can be found between 5 and 20 meters (16 and 65 feet) deep.
Where Does Acropora donei Live?
Acropora donei is not a very common coral. However, it is found across a very large area. This includes the Indian Ocean, Australia, the western Pacific Ocean, Southeast Asia, and the wider Indo-Pacific region. It also lives in countries like Yemen and Japan.
Locations Around the World
You can find this coral in all six regions of Indonesia. It is also present in seven different spots in the Marshall Islands. In fact, it lives in a large number of countries around the world.
Threats to Its Survival
Scientists don't know the exact number of Acropora donei corals. But the species is in danger because coral reefs are declining. Many things threaten coral reefs, including:
- Rising ocean temperatures, which cause coral bleaching.
- Diseases that affect corals.
- Climate change, which impacts ocean conditions.
- Fishing activities.
- The ocean becoming more acidic.
- Pollution in the water.
- Invasive species that harm the reefs.
- The Crown-of-thorns starfish (Acanthaster planci), which eats coral.
Ocean Conditions
This coral usually lives in waters with temperatures between 25.48 and 27.43 degrees Celsius (77.86 and 81.37 degrees Fahrenheit). Scientists believe this species has existed for about 0.13 million years. Some Acropora donei corals might live in Marine Protected Areas. These are special ocean areas where marine life is protected.
Conservation Status
Acropora donei is listed as a vulnerable species on the IUCN Red List. This means its population is decreasing. It is also listed under CITES Appendix II. This international agreement helps control the trade of endangered plants and animals.
How Was Acropora donei Discovered?
Scientists Jen Veron and C. C. Wallace first described Acropora donei in 1984. They found it in East Australia.
