pore coral
VU

pore coral

Montipora flabellata

Unknown

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

Overview

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

Montipora flabellata faces severe pressure from ocean warming and acidification, which cause coral bleaching events and reduce the species' ability to build its calcium carbonate skeleton. Coastal development and sedimentation from land-based activities smother coral colonies and reduce water quality in shallow reef environments. The species is also vulnerable to crown-of-thorns starfish outbreaks and destructive fishing practices that physically damage reef structures.

Threat summary

Habitat

Montipora flabellata inhabits shallow coral reef environments in the Indo-Pacific, typically found on reef slopes and lagoons at depths of 5-30 meters. The species forms plate-like colonies that require clear, warm waters with adequate light penetration for its symbiotic zooxanthellae to photosynthesize effectively.

MARINE· major

Threatened in Cook Islands

EN

Pineapple Sea Cucumber

Thelenota ananas

Declining
VU

Polynesian Tree Snail

Partula hyalina

Unknown
Giant ClamCR

Giant Clam

Tridacna gigas

Declining
EN

Aetobatus ocellatus

Declining

Frequently asked questions

Why is pore coral classified as Vulnerable?
pore 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. Montipora flabellata faces severe pressure from ocean warming and acidification, which cause coral bleaching events and reduce the species' ability to build its calcium carbonate skeleton. Coastal development and sedimentation from land-based activities smother coral colonies and reduce water quality in shallow reef environments. The species is also vulnerable to crown-of-thorns starfish outbreaks and destructive fishing practices that physically damage reef structures.
Where does pore coral live?
pore coral occurs in Cook Islands, French Polynesia, Sri Lanka, U.S. Outlying Islands, and United States. Country-level distribution data is sourced from the IUCN Red List and cross-referenced with GBIF occurrences.
What are the main threats to pore coral?
The main threats to pore 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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