Acropora humilis facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Acropora humilis |
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Acropora humilis, often called finger coral, is a type of coral. It belongs to a group of corals known as acroporid corals. You can find this coral in warm, shallow ocean waters around the world. It lives in places like the Red Sea, the Indian Ocean, and across the Pacific Ocean. Scientists first described this coral in 1846.
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What Does Finger Coral Look Like?
This coral grows in groups that look like thick fingers. These "fingers" are actually branches. Each branch has one or more large, dome-shaped tips. These tips are called axial corallites. Smaller branches or tiny tips might grow near the bottom of the main branches.
The side branches have two different sizes of small bumps. These bumps are called radial corallites. The larger ones are often lined up in rows. Finger coral comes in many colors. It can be cream, blue, brown, or purple. Its branch tips are often cream or blue.
Where Does Finger Coral Live?
You can find Acropora humilis in many tropical ocean areas. It lives in the Gulf of Aden and the Red Sea. It is also found in the northern and southwestern parts of the Indian Ocean. This coral is common around Australia and across the central Indo-Pacific region.
It also lives near Japan, in Southeast Asia, and in the East China Sea. You can spot it in the central and western Pacific Ocean. Specific locations include the Johnston Atoll, the northwestern Hawaiian Islands, and the Raja Ampat Islands. It also lives near the Mariana Islands, Palau, and the Pitcairn Islands.
This coral prefers shallow water. It lives on the flat tops and slopes of coral reefs. You can find it at depths of up to 12 metres (39 ft) (about 39 feet). Sometimes, this coral is collected and sent to aquariums.
Why Is Finger Coral Important?
The Acropora humilis is listed as a Near Threatened species. This means its population is decreasing. The IUCN Red List tracks its status. It is also protected under CITES Appendix II. This international agreement helps control trade of endangered species.
We don't know the exact number of these corals. However, many things threaten them. One big threat is the overall loss of coral reefs worldwide. Rising ocean temperatures cause coral bleaching. This happens when corals get stressed and lose their color. Climate change and human activities also harm them. The crown-of-thorns starfish (Acanthaster planci) eats corals, which is another threat. Diseases can also affect coral health.
How Was Finger Coral Named?
The scientist Dana first described this coral in 1846. He gave it the name Madrepora humilis at that time. Later, its name was changed to Acropora humilis.
