Acropora subglabra
Overview
Acropora subglabra is a reef-building coral in the family Acroporidae, characterized by a branching colonial skeleton formed of calcium carbonate secreted by its constituent polyps. Like other Acropora species, it relies on a symbiotic relationship with photosynthetic zooxanthellae housed within its tissues, which supply the coral with energy and give it much of its coloration. As a framework-building species, it contributes to the physical structure of reef ecosystems, providing habitat and shelter for numerous fish, invertebrates, and other marine organisms.
The species occurs across parts of the Indo-Pacific, with records from Australia, Fiji, Japan, the Maldives, the Marshall Islands, Sri Lanka, and Taiwan. It inhabits marine neritic zones, generally in shallow, clear waters typical of coral reef environments.
Acropora subglabra faces a range of ongoing pressures. Fishing and harvesting activities, along with recreational use of reef areas, cause direct physical damage. Pollution from domestic and urban wastewater, agricultural runoff, and effluents from non-timber crop production degrades water quality, while sedimentation and nutrient loading promote algal overgrowth and disease.
Invasive species and outbreaks of coral disease further stress colonies, and broader habitat shifting linked to changing ocean conditions, including thermal stress and acidification, compounds these threats.
Conservation efforts for Acropora species generally include marine protected area designations, reef monitoring programs, restoration projects involving coral propagation and outplanting, and international trade regulation under CITES. Region-specific management of coastal water quality and fishing practices also contributes to protection efforts in parts of its range.
The population trend for Acropora subglabra is decreasing, and it is currently classified as Endangered. Given the persistence and breadth of threats affecting its range, its long-term outlook remains concerning without sustained mitigation efforts.
This coral faces pollution from sewage and agricultural runoff, damage from fishing and recreational activities like boating or diving, and competition from invasive species and disease outbreaks. It's also affected by climate-related habitat changes, such as shifting ocean conditions and coastal development for farming. These combined pressures appear to be ongoing and show no signs of easing.
Habitat
Conservation measures underway
Other threatened species in ACROPORIDAE
Threatened in Australia
Frequently asked questions
Why is Acropora subglabra classified as Endangered?
Where does Acropora subglabra live?
What are the main threats to Acropora subglabra?
Get weekly conservation intelligence
One short digest a week of the most striking species and country data we ship, plus breaking conservation news paired with our database where it matters.
Free, no spam. One-click unsubscribe in every email.