Bahia Brain Coral
CR

Bahia Brain Coral

Mussismilia braziliensis

Declining

Photo: Photo: (c) Bruno Ielpo, all rights reserved, uploaded by Bruno Ielpo

Overview

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

Mussismilia braziliensis faces severe decline from ocean warming and acidification, which cause coral bleaching and reduce calcification rates essential for skeletal growth. Coastal development and sedimentation from urban runoff smother coral colonies and degrade water quality in shallow reef environments. Disease outbreaks, particularly white plague and black band disease, have caused widespread mortality across Brazilian reef systems where this endemic coral occurs.

Threat summary

Habitat

This endemic Brazilian coral species inhabits shallow coastal reefs and rocky substrates along the Brazilian coast, typically in depths of 1-20 meters. It forms colonies on hard surfaces in warm tropical waters with moderate to strong water movement.

Marine neritic· major

Conservation measures underway

Habitat & natural process restorationSpecies recoveryLegislation

Other threatened species in FAVIIDAE

VU

Mussismilia hispida

Declining
CR

Colpophyllia breviserialis

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EN

Brain Coral

Mussismilia harttii

Declining
Atlantic Mushroom CoralCR

Atlantic Mushroom Coral

Scolymia lacera

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Threatened in Brazil

Striped SmoothhoundCR

Striped Smoothhound

Mustelus fasciatus

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VU

Myrcia carioca

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Brasilia TapaculoEN

Brasilia Tapaculo

Scytalopus novacapitalis

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Frequently asked questions

Why is Bahia Brain Coral classified as Critically Endangered?
Bahia Brain 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. Mussismilia braziliensis faces severe decline from ocean warming and acidification, which cause coral bleaching and reduce calcification rates essential for skeletal growth. Coastal development and sedimentation from urban runoff smother coral colonies and degrade water quality in shallow reef environments. Disease outbreaks, particularly white plague and black band disease, have caused widespread mortality across Brazilian reef systems where this endemic coral occurs.
Where does Bahia Brain Coral live?
Bahia Brain Coral occurs in Brazil. Country-level distribution data is sourced from the IUCN Red List and cross-referenced with GBIF occurrences.
What are the main threats to Bahia Brain Coral?
The main threats to Bahia Brain 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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