anemone coral
Goniopora albiconus
Goniopora albiconus is a hard coral species belonging to the family Poritidae, characterized by its distinctive white-tipped polyps that extend from a robust, dome-shaped or encrusting calcium carbonate skeleton. This anemone coral plays a crucial ecological role as a reef-building species, providing habitat structure for numerous marine organisms while contributing to the overall biodiversity and stability of coral reef ecosystems.
11
Countries
Photo: iNaturalist: (c) Shigeru Harazaki, all rights reserved, uploaded by Shigeru Harazaki
Taxonomy & Classification
Kingdom
Animalia
Phylum
Cnidaria
Class
Anthozoa
Order
Scleractinia
Family
Poritidae
Genus
Goniopora
anemone coral belongs to the family Poritidae, order Scleractinia, within the Anthozoa class.
Species Profile
Goniopora albiconus is a hard coral species belonging to the family Poritidae, characterized by its distinctive white-tipped polyps that extend from a robust, dome-shaped or encrusting calcium carbonate skeleton. This anemone coral plays a crucial ecological role as a reef-building species, providing habitat structure for numerous marine organisms while contributing to the overall biodiversity and stability of coral reef ecosystems.
Goniopora albiconus 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' slow growth and recovery rates make populations particularly vulnerable to cumulative stressors.
Key Facts
Habitat & Distribution
Shallow tropical coral reef environments in the Indo-Pacific, typically found in lagoons and reef flats at depths of 1-20 meters where water clarity and light penetration support symbiotic zooxanthellae. Prefers areas with moderate water flow and stable substrate for colony attachment.
Threats
Climate change and ocean warming
Coastal development and sedimentation
Ocean acidification
Destructive fishing practices
Water pollution and nutrient runoff
Found in 11 Countries
Community Sightings
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Sources & Attribution
How to Cite
IUCN: IUCN (2025). The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Version 2025-1. Available at: https://www.iucnredlist.org. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2025-1.RLTS
GBIF: GBIF.org (2025). GBIF Home Page. Available at: https://www.gbif.org
This page: SpeciesRadar (2025). anemone coral (Goniopora albiconus). SpeciesRadar: Intelligence for Earth's Biodiversity. Available at: https://speciesradar.org/species/anemone-coral-2260466