cauliflower coral
VU

cauliflower coral

Pocillopora inflata

Unknown

Photo: iNaturalist: (c) Rebecca Johnson, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC), uploaded by Rebecca Johnson

Overview

Pocillopora inflata is a species of stony coral in the family Pocilloporidae. It was first described by Peter William Glynn in 1999. It is found growing on coral reefs in the tropical eastern Pacific Ocean but is nowhere abundant.

Pocillopora inflata faces significant threats from climate change-induced ocean warming and acidification, which cause coral bleaching and reduce calcification rates. Coastal development, pollution, and destructive fishing practices further degrade reef ecosystems where this species occurs, while rising sea levels and increased storm intensity associated with climate change pose additional stresses to coral communities.

Threat summary

Habitat

Shallow tropical coral reef environments in the Indo-Pacific region, typically found in reef flats, lagoons, and protected reef slopes at depths ranging from intertidal zones to approximately 20 meters. This species prefers areas with moderate water flow and clear, warm waters with stable salinity levels.

MARINE· major

Threatened in Costa Rica

Calidris ferrugineaVU

Calidris ferruginea

Declining
EN

Palicourea brenesii

Unknown
EN

Passiflora chimuensis

Unknown
VU

Pentagonia osaensis

Unknown

Frequently asked questions

Why is cauliflower coral classified as Vulnerable?
cauliflower 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. Pocillopora inflata faces significant threats from climate change-induced ocean warming and acidification, which cause coral bleaching and reduce calcification rates. Coastal development, pollution, and destructive fishing practices further degrade reef ecosystems where this species occurs, while rising sea levels and increased storm intensity associated with climate change pose additional stresses to coral communities.
Where does cauliflower coral live?
cauliflower coral occurs in Costa Rica, Ecuador, Mexico, and Panama. Country-level distribution data is sourced from the IUCN Red List and cross-referenced with GBIF occurrences.
What are the main threats to cauliflower coral?
The main threats to cauliflower 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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