Lowridge Cactus Coral
CR

Lowridge Cactus Coral

Mycetophyllia danaana

Declining

Photo: Photo: (c) jome jome, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC-ND)

Overview

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

Mycetophyllia danaana faces severe population declines primarily due to coral bleaching events triggered by rising sea temperatures and ocean acidification. The species is particularly vulnerable to white plague disease and other coral pathogens that have devastated Caribbean reef systems. Coastal development and sedimentation from land-based activities further degrade the clear, nutrient-poor waters this coral requires for survival.

Threat summary

Habitat

This hard coral species inhabits shallow to moderate depth reef environments in the Caribbean, typically found on fore-reef slopes and reef walls between 5-40 meters depth. It requires clear, warm tropical waters with low nutrient levels and strong water circulation to support its symbiotic zooxanthellae.

Marine neritic· major

Conservation measures underway

Site/area protectionHabitat & natural process restorationSpecies recoveryLegislation

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Frequently asked questions

Why is Lowridge Cactus Coral classified as Critically Endangered?
Lowridge Cactus 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. Mycetophyllia danaana faces severe population declines primarily due to coral bleaching events triggered by rising sea temperatures and ocean acidification. The species is particularly vulnerable to white plague disease and other coral pathogens that have devastated Caribbean reef systems. Coastal development and sedimentation from land-based activities further degrade the clear, nutrient-poor waters this coral requires for survival.
Where does Lowridge Cactus Coral live?
Lowridge Cactus Coral occurs in Bahamas, Mexico, and Trinidad & Tobago. Country-level distribution data is sourced from the IUCN Red List and cross-referenced with GBIF occurrences.
What are the main threats to Lowridge Cactus Coral?
The main threats to Lowridge Cactus 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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