crust coral
Leptastrea aequalis
Leptastrea aequalis, commonly known as crust coral, is a small colonial hard coral that forms encrusting plates and low mounds on reef substrates. This species displays a distinctive appearance with small, closely-packed corallites that create a smooth, crusty surface texture across the colony.
4
Countries
Photo: iNaturalist: (c) Tomas Cedhagen, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC), uploaded by Tomas Cedhagen
Taxonomy & Classification
Kingdom
Animalia
Phylum
Cnidaria
Class
Anthozoa
Order
Scleractinia
Family
Leptastreidae
Genus
Leptastrea
crust coral belongs to the family Leptastreidae, order Scleractinia, within the Anthozoa class.
Species Profile
Leptastrea aequalis, commonly known as crust coral, is a small colonial hard coral that forms encrusting plates and low mounds on reef substrates. This species displays a distinctive appearance with small, closely-packed corallites that create a smooth, crusty surface texture across the colony. As a reef-building coral, it contributes to the structural complexity of coral reef ecosystems and provides habitat for numerous marine organisms.
Leptastrea aequalis 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 sedimentation from terrestrial runoff smothers coral colonies and reduces water quality.
Key Facts
Habitat & Distribution
Shallow tropical coral reefs and reef flats in the Indo-Pacific region, typically found in clear waters at depths ranging from intertidal zones to approximately 20 meters. This species forms encrusting colonies on hard substrates including reef slopes, lagoons, and protected reef areas.
Threats
Climate change and ocean warming
Coastal development and habitat destruction
Ocean acidification
Destructive fishing practices
Water pollution and sedimentation
Found in 4 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). crust coral (Leptastrea aequalis). SpeciesRadar: Intelligence for Earth's Biodiversity. Available at: https://speciesradar.org/species/crust-coral