Cactus Coral
Pavona decussata
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.
50
Countries
Photo: Wikimedia Commons (CC) via https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pavona_decussata
Taxonomy & Classification
Kingdom
Animalia
Phylum
Cnidaria
Class
Anthozoa
Order
Scleractinia
Family
Agariciidae
Genus
Pavona
Cactus Coral belongs to the family Agariciidae, order Scleractinia, within the Anthozoa class.
Species Profile
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.
Key Facts
Habitat & Distribution
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.
Threats
Ocean acidification
Ocean warming and coral bleaching
Coastal development and sedimentation
Destructive fishing practices
Water pollution and nutrient runoff
Found in 50 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). Cactus Coral (Pavona decussata). SpeciesRadar: Intelligence for Earth's Biodiversity. Available at: https://speciesradar.org/species/cactus-coral