CR

Rough Cactus Coral

Mycetophyllia ferox

Declining

Overview

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

Mycetophyllia ferox 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 diseases 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

Mycetophyllia ferox inhabits shallow to moderate depth coral reefs in the Caribbean, typically found on reef slopes and walls between 5-40 meters depth. This hard coral species 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 Rough Cactus Coral classified as Critically Endangered?
Rough 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 ferox 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 diseases 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 Rough Cactus Coral live?
Rough Cactus Coral occurs in Bahamas, Belize, British Virgin Islands, Caribbean Netherlands, Cayman Islands, and Colombia (plus 18 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 Rough Cactus Coral?
The main threats to Rough 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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