anemone coral
Goniopora polyformis
Overview
Goniopora polyformis is a hard coral species commonly known as flowerpot coral, characterized by its distinctive long, fleshy polyps that extend during feeding and create a flower-like appearance. This colonial coral forms rounded or dome-shaped structures with polyps that can extend several centimeters from the skeleton, giving it a soft, undulating texture. As a reef-building coral, it plays a crucial role in creating habitat structure for numerous marine species and contributing to coral reef ecosystem biodiversity.
Goniopora polyformis faces significant threats from ocean warming and acidification, which cause coral bleaching and reduce calcification rates essential for skeletal growth. Coastal development, pollution, and destructive fishing practices further degrade reef habitats, while the species' collection for the marine aquarium trade adds additional pressure on wild populations.
Habitat
This species inhabits shallow tropical coral reef environments in the Indo-Pacific, typically found in lagoons and reef flats at depths of 1-20 meters. It prefers areas with moderate water flow and can tolerate slightly turbid conditions compared to many other coral species.
Other threatened species in Poritidae
Threatened in Japan
Frequently asked questions
Why is anemone coral classified as Vulnerable?
Where does anemone coral live?
What are the main threats to anemone coral?
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