Meandrina meandrites
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.
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.
