CR

Ten-ray Star Coral

Madracis decactis

Declining

Overview

A detailed profile for this species is sourced from the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species as assessments become available.

Madracis decactis faces severe population decline primarily due to coral bleaching events triggered by rising sea temperatures and ocean acidification. The species is particularly vulnerable to white-band disease and other coral pathogens that have devastated Caribbean reef systems. Coastal development and sedimentation from land-based activities further compromise water quality in its shallow reef habitats, while hurricane damage and physical destruction from boat anchoring pose additional localized threats.

Threat summary

Habitat

Madracis decactis inhabits shallow coral reef environments in the Caribbean, typically found at depths of 1-20 meters on reef slopes and fore-reef areas. This branching coral species prefers clear, well-circulated waters with moderate to high wave energy and forms small colonies on hard substrates.

Artificial - Terrestrial· majorMarine neritic· major

Conservation measures underway

Site/area protectionHabitat & natural process restorationSpecies recoveryLegislation

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Frequently asked questions

Why is Ten-ray Star Coral classified as Critically Endangered?
Ten-ray Star Coral is classified as Critically Endangered — facing an extremely high risk of extinction in the wild — because population sizes are very small, declining sharply, or restricted to a tiny range. Madracis decactis faces severe population decline primarily due to coral bleaching events triggered by rising sea temperatures and ocean acidification. The species is particularly vulnerable to white-band disease and other coral pathogens that have devastated Caribbean reef systems. Coastal development and sedimentation from land-based activities further compromise water quality in its shallow reef habitats, while hurricane damage and physical destruction from boat anchoring pose additional localized threats.
Where does Ten-ray Star Coral live?
Ten-ray Star Coral occurs in Bahamas, Bermuda, Brazil, Mexico, São Tomé & Príncipe, and Trinidad & Tobago. Country-level distribution data is sourced from the IUCN Red List and cross-referenced with GBIF occurrences.
What are the main threats to Ten-ray Star Coral?
The main threats to Ten-ray Star Coral are 11.1, 2.1, 5.4, and 6.1. The full IUCN-classified threat record for this species is detailed on the species page.

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