Diploria labyrinthiformis
Photo: Wikimedia Commons (CC) via https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Diploria
Overview
A detailed profile for this species is sourced from the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species as assessments become available.
Diploria labyrinthiformis faces severe population declines primarily due to coral bleaching events triggered by rising sea temperatures, with mass mortality recorded during the 2014-2017 global bleaching event. White band disease and other coral diseases have devastated remaining colonies, while coastal development and sedimentation from land-based activities continue to degrade water quality in critical reef habitats. Ocean acidification further compromises the species' ability to build and maintain its characteristic calcium carbonate skeleton.
Habitat
This species inhabits shallow coral reef environments in the Caribbean, typically found in depths of 1-20 meters on reef crests, fore-reefs, and back-reef areas. It prefers areas with moderate to high wave action and clear, well-oxygenated waters with stable salinity levels.
