VU

Mycedium coral

Mycedium steeni

Unknown

Overview

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

Mycedium steeni faces severe pressure from coral bleaching events driven by rising sea temperatures, which have intensified across the Indo-Pacific region. The species is particularly vulnerable to ocean acidification, which impairs its ability to build and maintain its calcium carbonate skeleton. Coastal development and sedimentation from terrestrial runoff further degrade the clear water conditions this coral requires for optimal photosynthesis.

Threat summary

Habitat

Mycedium steeni inhabits shallow coral reef environments in the Indo-Pacific, typically found on reef slopes and lagoons at depths of 5-30 meters. This plate coral species requires clear, warm waters with stable salinity levels and strong water circulation to support its symbiotic zooxanthellae.

MARINE· major

Other threatened species in Merulinidae

VU

lesser star coral

Goniastrea ramosa

Unknown
EN

spine coral

Hydnophora bonsai

Unknown
Australogyra coralVU

Australogyra coral

Australogyra zelli

Unknown
VU

Cyphastrea agassizi

Unknown

Frequently asked questions

Why is Mycedium coral classified as Vulnerable?
Mycedium coral 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. Mycedium steeni faces severe pressure from coral bleaching events driven by rising sea temperatures, which have intensified across the Indo-Pacific region. The species is particularly vulnerable to ocean acidification, which impairs its ability to build and maintain its calcium carbonate skeleton. Coastal development and sedimentation from terrestrial runoff further degrade the clear water conditions this coral requires for optimal photosynthesis.
Where does Mycedium coral live?
Mycedium coral occurs in across multiple regions. Country-level distribution data is sourced from the IUCN Red List and cross-referenced with GBIF occurrences.
What are the main threats to Mycedium coral?
The main threats to Mycedium coral 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.