VU

Muricea crassa

Unknown

Overview

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

Muricea crassa faces significant pressure from coastal development and tourism infrastructure along the Eastern Pacific coastline, which destroys critical reef habitats and increases sedimentation. Ocean warming and acidification associated with climate change threaten the species' calcium carbonate skeleton formation and overall colony health. Destructive fishing practices, including bottom trawling and anchor damage from recreational vessels, physically destroy established colonies that require decades to mature.

Threat summary

Habitat

Muricea crassa inhabits rocky reefs and hard substrates in shallow to moderate depths of the Eastern Pacific Ocean, typically found between 5-40 meters depth. This gorgonian coral forms branching colonies on exposed reef faces and rocky outcrops where strong currents provide adequate water flow for filter feeding.

MARINE· major

Other threatened species in Plexauridae

VU

Muricea austera

Unknown

Threatened in Costa Rica

Curlew SandpiperVU

Curlew Sandpiper

Calidris ferruginea

Declining
EN

Palicourea brenesii

Unknown
VU

Pentagonia osaensis

Unknown
EN

Passiflora chimuensis

Unknown

Frequently asked questions

Why is Muricea crassa classified as Vulnerable?
Muricea crassa is classified as Vulnerable because the population is declining and the species faces a high risk of extinction in the medium-term future if current pressures continue. Muricea crassa faces significant pressure from coastal development and tourism infrastructure along the Eastern Pacific coastline, which destroys critical reef habitats and increases sedimentation. Ocean warming and acidification associated with climate change threaten the species' calcium carbonate skeleton formation and overall colony health. Destructive fishing practices, including bottom trawling and anchor damage from recreational vessels, physically destroy established colonies that require decades to mature.
Where does Muricea crassa live?
Muricea crassa occurs in Costa Rica, Ecuador, Greece, and Panama. Country-level distribution data is sourced from the IUCN Red List and cross-referenced with GBIF occurrences.
What are the main threats to Muricea crassa?
The main threats to Muricea crassa are ai-1, ai-2, ai-3, and ai-4. The full IUCN-classified threat record for this species is detailed on the species page.

Get weekly conservation intelligence

One short digest a week of the most striking species and country data we ship, plus breaking conservation news paired with our database where it matters.

Free, no spam. One-click unsubscribe in every email.