Symmetrical Brain Coral
CR

Symmetrical Brain Coral

Pseudodiploria strigosa

Declining

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

Overview

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

Pseudodiploria strigosa 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 syndrome disease outbreaks that have devastated Caribbean coral communities. Coastal development and sedimentation from land-based activities further compromise water quality in the shallow reef environments where this coral thrives.

Threat summary

Habitat

This hard coral species inhabits shallow Caribbean reef environments, typically found in depths ranging from 1 to 20 meters on fore-reef slopes and reef crests. It forms characteristic brain-like colonies with distinctive meandering valleys and ridges in clear, warm tropical waters.

Marine neritic· major

Conservation measures underway

Site/area protectionHabitat & natural process restorationSpecies recoveryLegislation

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Frequently asked questions

Why is Symmetrical Brain Coral classified as Critically Endangered?
Symmetrical Brain 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. Pseudodiploria strigosa 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 syndrome disease outbreaks that have devastated Caribbean coral communities. Coastal development and sedimentation from land-based activities further compromise water quality in the shallow reef environments where this coral thrives.
Where does Symmetrical Brain Coral live?
Symmetrical Brain Coral occurs in Bahamas, Bermuda, 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 Symmetrical Brain Coral?
The main threats to Symmetrical Brain Coral are 11.1, 11.4, 2.1, and 5.4. The full IUCN-classified threat record for this species is detailed on the species page.

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