species: Acropora horrida in taxonomy (Gaia Guide)
Acropora horrida


©Anne: A large stand of Acropora horrida in the lagoon at Lizard Island

©Anne: Acropora horrida branches showing polyps exposed during the day, Lizard Island lagoon.
Kingdom Animalia
Phylum Cnidaria
Class Anthozoa
Order Scleractinia
Family Acroporidae
Genus Acropora
Species Acropora horrida
Status insufficient data to assess

Distinguishing features

A branching to bushy Acropora, usually pale blue at Lizard Island with white or pale blue polyps. Tentacles are usually extended during the day.

Size

  • Size data has not been obtained.

Synonyms

Comments

Dr Zoe Richards (WA Museum) notes that this species is declining in abundance on reefs throughout its distribution. It used to be quite common at Orpheus Island but is now rare there. There is still a good stand of it between Palfrey and South Islands at Lizard Island (as at Jan 2015).

Zoe observed coral egg/sperm bundles in the water on 14 Jan 2015 in that area and thought they might have been from this species.

by Anne Hoggett

Distribution


©Atlas of Living Australia: Australian distribution

Web resources

References

  • Pratchett, M.S. (2010). Changes in coral assemblages during an outbreak of Acanthaster planci at Lizard Island, northern Great Barrier Reef (1995-1999), Coral Reefs, 29: 717-725. LIRS catalog number 1344.
  • Veron, J.E.N. (2000). Corals of the World Australian Institute of Marine Science, Townsville.