Maze Coral
CR

Maze Coral

Meandrina meandrites

Declining

Photo: Wikimedia Commons (CC) via https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Meandrina_meandrites

Overview

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

Meandrina meandrites faces severe population declines primarily due to coral bleaching events triggered by rising sea temperatures and ocean acidification. The species is particularly vulnerable to white plague disease and other coral pathogens that have devastated Caribbean reef systems. Coastal development and sedimentation from land-based activities further compromise water quality in the shallow reef environments where this coral thrives.

Threat summary

Habitat

Meandrina meandrites inhabits shallow coral reef environments in the Caribbean, typically found at depths of 1-20 meters on reef slopes and back-reef areas. This hard coral species prefers clear, warm tropical waters with good water circulation and moderate to high light levels.

Marine neritic· major

Conservation measures underway

Site/area protectionHabitat & natural process restorationSpecies recoveryLegislation

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Frequently asked questions

Why is Maze Coral classified as Critically Endangered?
Maze 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. Meandrina meandrites faces severe population declines primarily due to coral bleaching events triggered by rising sea temperatures and ocean acidification. The species is particularly vulnerable to white plague disease and other coral pathogens that have devastated Caribbean reef systems. Coastal development and sedimentation from land-based activities further compromise water quality in the shallow reef environments where this coral thrives.
Where does Maze Coral live?
Maze Coral occurs in Bahamas, Bermuda, Mexico, 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 Maze Coral?
The main threats to Maze Coral are 1.1, 11.1, 11.4, and 2.1. The full IUCN-classified threat record for this species is detailed on the species page.

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