plate coral
VU

plate coral

Heliofungia actiniformis

Unknown

Photo: Wikimedia Commons (CC) via https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Heliofungia_actiniformis

Overview

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

Heliofungia actiniformis faces severe pressure from ocean warming and acidification, which cause coral bleaching and reduce the availability of calcium carbonate needed for skeleton formation. The species is particularly vulnerable to crown-of-thorns starfish outbreaks that can devastate entire reef systems. Coastal development and sedimentation from land-based activities further degrade the clear, shallow reef environments this coral requires.

Threat summary

Habitat

This large solitary coral inhabits shallow tropical reef environments across the Indo-Pacific, typically found on sandy bottoms and reef slopes at depths of 5-40 meters. It requires clear, warm waters with stable temperatures and adequate light penetration for its symbiotic zooxanthellae to photosynthesize effectively.

MARINE· major

Other threatened species in Fungiidae

EN

Lithophyllon ranjithi

Unknown
bowl coralVU

bowl coral

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Unknown

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VU

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Australian Humpback Dolphin

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White-bellied Frog

Anstisia alba

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Frequently asked questions

Why is plate coral classified as Vulnerable?
plate 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. Heliofungia actiniformis faces severe pressure from ocean warming and acidification, which cause coral bleaching and reduce the availability of calcium carbonate needed for skeleton formation. The species is particularly vulnerable to crown-of-thorns starfish outbreaks that can devastate entire reef systems. Coastal development and sedimentation from land-based activities further degrade the clear, shallow reef environments this coral requires.
Where does plate coral live?
plate coral occurs in Australia, Fiji, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, and Maldives (plus 11 other countries). Country-level distribution data is sourced from the IUCN Red List and cross-referenced with GBIF occurrences.
What are the main threats to plate coral?
The main threats to plate 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.

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