Millepora complanata
Overview
A detailed profile for this species is sourced from the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species as assessments become available.
Millepora complanata faces severe population declines primarily due to ocean warming and acidification, which cause bleaching events and weaken its calcium carbonate skeleton. Coastal development and pollution from agricultural runoff create additional stress through sedimentation and nutrient loading. Hurricane damage and physical destruction from boat anchoring and diving activities further fragment remaining populations in shallow Caribbean waters.
Habitat
This fire coral species inhabits shallow tropical waters of the Caribbean Sea, typically found in coral reef environments at depths of 1-20 meters. It forms encrusting colonies on hard substrates including reef frameworks, rocky surfaces, and dead coral structures in areas with moderate to strong water movement.
