Pectinia alcicornis

Pectinia alcicornis is a stony coral in the family Merulinidae, recognisable by its thin, fragile, vase-like or laminar colonies with sharp, ridged septa that give the surface a jagged, blade-like appearance. Like other scleractinian corals, it relies on symbiotic zooxanthellae for the bulk of its energy needs while also capturing plankton with its polyps at night. As a reef-building species, it contributes to the physical structure of coral reefs, providing shelter and habitat for a range of invertebrates and fish.

The species occurs in marine neritic waters across the Indo-Pacific, with recorded populations in Australia, Sri Lanka, the Maldives, Thailand, Vietnam, China, India, and Japan, typically on reef slopes and in lagoon environments.

Pectinia alcicornis is classified as Endangered, with a decreasing population trend. Its fragile, plate-like morphology makes it particularly vulnerable to physical damage from fishing and harvesting activities, anchor damage, and recreational diver contact. Coral disease outbreaks and pressure from problematic native species, such as predatory sea stars, add further stress.

Water quality is degraded by domestic and urban wastewater discharge, agricultural runoff linked to non-timber crop cultivation, and other pollution sources, all of which promote algal overgrowth and reduce coral resilience. Broader habitat alteration, including coastal development and climate-driven shifts, compounds these pressures.

Conservation efforts affecting this species are largely embedded within broader coral reef protection frameworks, including marine protected areas, water quality regulation, and international trade controls under CITES, since Pectinia species are collected for the aquarium trade. Given the combination of chronic pollution, physical disturbance, and disease pressure, the species' outlook remains poor, with continued population decline anticipated absent substantial improvements in reef management and water quality across its range.