Acropora kirstyae facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Acropora kirstyae |
|
|---|---|
| Conservation status | |
| Scientific classification |
Acropora kirstyae is a type of coral that lives in the ocean. It was first discovered and described by scientists Jen Veron and C. C. Wallace in 1984. This coral likes warm, shallow waters, usually about 10 to 25 meters (33 to 82 feet) deep. You can find it in calm, protected parts of coral reefs and in quiet lagoons.
Sadly, Acropora kirstyae is considered a vulnerable species. This means its population is shrinking, and it could be at risk of disappearing. It's listed on the IUCN Red List, which tracks species facing threats. It is also protected under CITES Appendix II, which helps control trade of endangered plants and animals.
Contents
What Does Acropora kirstyae Look Like?
Acropora kirstyae corals grow in groups called colonies. These colonies have many thin branches that spread out from a central point. The branches can grow up to about 120 millimeters (nearly 5 inches) long.
Branch Tips and Color
The very tips of these branches are usually white. The rest of the coral is often a pale orange or brown color.
Coralite Shapes
The tiny cups on the coral, called radial corallites, are shaped like tubes. They are packed closely together and look very neat. However, as you get closer to the ends of the branches, these little cups become less regular. Sometimes, the ends of the branches might have flared, lip-like shapes. This coral looks quite similar to another species called Acropora exquisita.
Where It Lives
This coral lives in warm, tropical oceans. It prefers shallow, protected parts of reefs and calm lagoons. You can also find it on sheltered reef slopes. It starts to reproduce when it is between three and eight years old. Like many corals, it is made of a strong material called aragonite, which is a form of calcium carbonate.
Where Can You Find Acropora kirstyae?
Even though Acropora kirstyae is not very common, it can be found across a wide area. Its home stretches across the Indo-Pacific region. This includes places like the East China Sea, Japan, Eastern Australia, and the western Pacific Ocean.
Specific Locations
You can find this coral in parts of Indonesia, Papua New Guinea, the Philippines, and the Solomon Islands. It also lives near Rodrigues Island, Palau, Raja Ampat, and New Caledonia. It prefers water temperatures between 26.13 and 26.56 degrees Celsius (79.03 to 79.81 degrees Fahrenheit).
Population and Threats
Scientists don't have exact numbers for how many Acropora kirstyae corals there are. However, they know that the overall population is decreasing. Many things threaten this coral, including:
- Coral bleaching caused by rising ocean temperatures.
- Overfishing.
- Coral diseases.
- Climate change.
- Pollution.
- Human development and building near the coast.
Because it is vulnerable, Acropora kirstyae is listed on the IUCN Red List and CITES Appendix II. It can sometimes be found living safely inside special areas called Marine Protected Areas.
How Was Acropora kirstyae Named?
This coral was first officially described and named by scientists Jen Veron and C. C. Wallace in 1984. They gave it the scientific name Acropora kirstyae.
