CR

Mussismilia leptophylla

Declining

Overview

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

Mussismilia leptophylla 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 land-based activities 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 species occurs.

Threat summary

Habitat

This coral species inhabits shallow tropical reef environments along the Brazilian coast, typically found in clear waters at depths of 1-20 meters. It forms colonies on hard substrates in areas with moderate to strong water circulation and high light penetration.

Marine neritic· major

Conservation measures underway

Habitat & natural process restorationSpecies recoveryLegislation

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Frequently asked questions

Why is Mussismilia leptophylla classified as Critically Endangered?
Mussismilia leptophylla 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 leptophylla 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 land-based activities 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 species occurs.
Where does Mussismilia leptophylla live?
Mussismilia leptophylla 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 Mussismilia leptophylla?
The main threats to Mussismilia leptophylla are 11.1, 8.2, ai-1, and ai-2. The full IUCN-classified threat record for this species is detailed on the species page.

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