Acropora tenella facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Acropora tenella |
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The Acropora tenella is a special type of coral. It belongs to a group called acroporid corals. You can find this coral in the central Indo-Pacific Ocean, parts of Southeast Asia, Japan, the East China Sea, and the western Pacific Ocean. It usually lives on the lower parts of coral reefs, in waters that are about 25 to 70 meters deep. Scientists consider it a vulnerable species, meaning it needs protection.
About Acropora tenella
Scientists first described this coral in 1892. It was named Madrepora tenella by a scientist named Brook. Later, in 1976, Pillai and Scheer described it again, calling it Acropora eibli. Today, we know it as Acropora tenella.
What it Looks Like
Acropora tenella corals grow in colonies, which are like large groups of many tiny coral animals. These colonies often form flat, plate-like shapes that spread out horizontally. Their branches are usually flattened and can split off in different directions. Sometimes, these branches have wide ridges in the middle.
The coral has special structures called corallites. These are like tiny cups where the individual coral polyps live. The main corallites, called axial corallites, are easy to spot. Other corallites, called radial corallites, are found on the sides of older branches. They are usually scattered unevenly over the branches. This coral is typically a cream color, and its branch tips can be either blue or white.
Where it Lives and Why it Needs Help
You can find Acropora tenella in many places. These include the central Indo-Pacific, Southeast Asia, Japan, the East China Sea, and the western Pacific Ocean. It likes to live on the lower slopes of coral reefs, usually between 25 and 70 meters deep.
Sadly, the population of Acropora tenella is decreasing. This is happening because coral reefs around the world are in trouble. This species is listed as a threatened species under the Endangered Species Act. It is also protected by CITES, which helps control the trade of endangered plants and animals.
There are several reasons why this coral is at risk:
- Rising Ocean Temperatures: Warmer ocean water can cause coral bleaching. This is when corals lose their color and become stressed, which can lead to them dying.
- Climate Change: Changes in the global climate affect ocean conditions, making it harder for corals to survive.
- Human Activities: Pollution, overfishing, and damage from boats or tourism can harm coral reefs.
- Predators: The Crown-of-thorns starfish is a natural predator that eats corals.
- Diseases: Corals can also get sick from various diseases.
Protecting coral reefs and the ocean is very important to help Acropora tenella and many other marine creatures survive.
