Acropora tenuis facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Acropora tenuis |
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Acropora tenuis is a type of coral that lives in the ocean. It belongs to a family called Acroporidae. You can find this coral in warm, shallow parts of the ocean. It lives on coral reefs, usually between 8 and 20 meters deep. These corals are found in many places, like the Red Sea, the Indian Ocean, Australia, and near Japan.
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What Does Acropora tenuis Look Like?
This coral grows in a special shape, like a flat-topped bush or a table. Scientists call this a "corymbose colony." It has many small branches that grow neatly.
The coral has tiny tube-shaped parts called "corallites." These are like little homes for the coral polyps. Some corallites are at the center of the branches, and others stick out with wide, flared edges. Acropora tenuis can be blue, cream, yellow, or green. It looks a bit like another coral called Acropora vermiculata.
Where Does Acropora tenuis Live?
You can find Acropora tenuis in many warm ocean areas. These include the Red Sea, the Gulf of Aden, and parts of the Indian Ocean. It also lives in the Persian Gulf, near Australia, and in Southeast Asia. You can spot it near Japan and in the East China Sea. This coral prefers shallow, tropical reefs. It often grows on the upper parts of slopes and in areas that are always underwater. It usually lives at depths between 8 and 20 meters (about 26 to 65 feet).
Why Is This Coral Important?
Acropora tenuis is listed as a "near threatened" species. This means its population is decreasing, and it might become endangered soon. It is also protected under CITES Appendix II. This international agreement helps control trade in plants and animals that are at risk.
Many things are threatening coral reefs around the world. These include:
- Rising ocean temperatures: This can cause coral bleaching. Bleaching happens when corals get stressed and turn white. If it lasts too long, the coral can die.
- Climate change: Changes in the climate affect ocean conditions.
- Human activities: Pollution and damage from boats or fishing can harm corals.
- Crown-of-thorns starfish: These starfish (Acanthaster planci) eat corals.
- Diseases: Corals can get sick, just like other living things.
How Does Acropora tenuis Reproduce?
Acropora tenuis is a special type of coral called a "simultaneous hermaphrodite." This means each coral colony has both male and female reproductive parts at the same time.
Once a year, all the colonies in one area release their reproductive cells at the same time. This event is called "spawning." The coral releases tiny packets of cells into the water column. These packets float up to the surface of the ocean. Once there, they break open. Then, the male and female cells from different colonies mix together. This mixing helps create new coral larvae, which will eventually settle and grow into new coral colonies.
