greater flowerbud coral
Anthothela grandiflora
The greater flowerbud coral (Anthothela grandiflora) is a soft coral species characterized by its distinctive flower-like polyps that can expand to impressive sizes when feeding. This colonial cnidarian displays vibrant coloration ranging from deep purples to bright oranges, with its branching structure creating important three-dimensional habitat complexity on reef systems.
15
Countries
Taxonomy & Classification
Kingdom
Animalia
Phylum
Cnidaria
Class
Anthozoa
Order
Malacalcyonacea
Family
Alcyoniidae
Genus
Anthothela
greater flowerbud coral belongs to the family Alcyoniidae, order Malacalcyonacea, within the Anthozoa class.
Species Profile
The greater flowerbud coral (Anthothela grandiflora) is a soft coral species characterized by its distinctive flower-like polyps that can expand to impressive sizes when feeding. This colonial cnidarian displays vibrant coloration ranging from deep purples to bright oranges, with its branching structure creating important three-dimensional habitat complexity on reef systems. As a filter feeder, it plays a crucial role in nutrient cycling and provides shelter for numerous small reef fish and invertebrates.
The greater flowerbud coral (Anthothela grandiflora) faces severe threats from ocean warming and acidification, which disrupt its calcium carbonate skeleton formation and cause bleaching events. Coastal development, pollution, and destructive fishing practices further degrade its deep-sea habitat, while its extremely limited distribution makes it particularly vulnerable to localized disturbances.
Key Facts
Habitat & Distribution
Greater flowerbud coral inhabits deeper reef slopes and walls at depths of 15-40 meters, typically in areas with moderate to strong currents that facilitate feeding. It shows preference for rocky substrates and reef drop-offs where it can attach securely while accessing nutrient-rich waters flowing along the continental shelf.
Threats
IUCN Red List: Critically Endangered
The greater flowerbud coral (Anthothela grandiflora) faces severe threats from ocean warming and acidification, which disrupt its calcium carbonate skeleton formation and cause bleaching events. Coastal development, pollution, and destructive fishing practices further degrade its deep-sea habitat, while its extremely limited distribution makes it particularly vulnerable to localized disturbances.
Coastal development and habitat destruction
Ocean acidification
Ocean warming and climate change
Destructive fishing practices
Marine pollution
Found in 15 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). greater flowerbud coral (Anthothela grandiflora). SpeciesRadar: Intelligence for Earth's Biodiversity. Available at: https://speciesradar.org/species/greater-flowerbud-coral