Cactus Coral
VU

Cactus Coral

Pavona decussata

Unknown

Photo: Wikimedia Commons (CC) via https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pavona_decussata

Overview

Pavona decussata, sometimes known as leaf coral, is a species of colonial stony coral in the family Agariciidae. It is found in shallow water in various reef habitats, particularly on gently sloping surfaces, in tropical parts of the western and central Indo-Pacific region.

Cactus Coral faces significant threats from climate change-induced 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 the shallow reef environments where this species thrives, contributing to its vulnerable status.

Threat summary

Habitat

Shallow tropical coral reefs and reef slopes in the Indo-Pacific region, typically found at depths of 1-20 meters in clear, warm waters with strong water circulation and moderate to high light levels.

MARINE· major

Other threatened species in Agariciidae

VU

leaf coral

Pavona diffluens

Unknown
leaf coralVU

leaf coral

Pavona bipartita

Unknown
VU

leaf coral

Pavona venosa

Unknown

Threatened in American Samoa

Sitona maculariusVU

Sitona macularius

Unknown
VU

Alveopora excelsa

Declining
EN

Acropora rudis

Declining
EN

Montipora corbettensis

Declining

Frequently asked questions

Why is Cactus Coral classified as Vulnerable?
Cactus Coral is classified as Vulnerable because the population is declining and the species faces a high risk of extinction in the medium-term future if current pressures continue. Cactus Coral faces significant threats from climate change-induced 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 the shallow reef environments where this species thrives, contributing to its vulnerable status.
Where does Cactus Coral live?
Cactus Coral occurs in American Samoa, Australia, Belgium, Cambodia, China, and Cocos (Keeling) Islands (plus 44 other countries). Country-level distribution data is sourced from the IUCN Red List and cross-referenced with GBIF occurrences.
What are the main threats to Cactus Coral?
The main threats to Cactus Coral are ai-1, ai-2, ai-3, and ai-4. The full IUCN-classified threat record for this species is detailed on the species page.

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