Alveopora catalai

Alveopora catalai is a colonial stony coral in the family Acroporidae, characterized by porous, honeycomb-like skeletal structures composed of polyps bearing twelve tentacles arranged in multiples of six, a distinguishing trait of the genus Alveopora. Colonies typically form encrusting to sub-massive or flattened structures, contributing to the physical framework of reef ecosystems. Like other reef-building corals, it hosts symbiotic algae (zooxanthellae) that supply energy through photosynthesis while the coral provides structural habitat for numerous reef-associated fish and invertebrates.

The species is found in Australian waters, associated with coral reef ecosystems, though a detailed habitat assessment has not yet been completed. Its known range is comparatively restricted relative to other Alveopora species found more broadly across the Indo-Pacific.

Alveopora catalai is classified as Endangered, with a decreasing population trend. Two ongoing threats are recognized: problematic native species and diseases, which can include coral predators or pathogens that damage colony tissue and reduce reproductive output, and habitat shifting and alteration, a pressure often linked to changing environmental conditions affecting reef structure and coral cover over time.

Conservation of this species is largely embedded within broader Australian marine protected area frameworks and reef management programs, including monitoring of coral health and water quality within regions where the species occurs. No species-specific recovery program has been documented separately from these broader reef conservation efforts.

Current population figures are not available. Given its Endangered status, ongoing decline, and the persistence of the threats affecting it, the species' trajectory remains one of concern, with continued monitoring needed to assess whether existing reef management measures are sufficient to stabilize its populations.