VU

rounded bubblegum coral

Plerogyra discus

Unknown

Overview

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

Rounded bubblegum coral faces severe pressure from ocean warming and acidification, which causes bleaching events and weakens its calcium carbonate skeleton. Coastal development and sedimentation from land-based activities smother coral colonies and reduce water quality in shallow reef environments. Collection for the marine aquarium trade targets this species due to its distinctive bubble-like polyps, while destructive fishing practices using dynamite and cyanide damage entire reef systems where it occurs.

Threat summary

Habitat

This coral species inhabits shallow tropical reef environments in the Indo-Pacific, typically found on reef slopes and lagoons at depths of 5-40 meters. It prefers areas with moderate water flow and good light penetration, often growing on hard substrates in protected reef zones.

MARINE· major

Other threatened species in Plerogyridae

VU

Nemenzophyllia turbida

Unknown
VU

tipped bubblegum coral

Physogyra lichtensteini

Unknown

Frequently asked questions

Why is rounded bubblegum coral classified as Vulnerable?
rounded bubblegum 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. Rounded bubblegum coral faces severe pressure from ocean warming and acidification, which causes bleaching events and weakens its calcium carbonate skeleton. Coastal development and sedimentation from land-based activities smother coral colonies and reduce water quality in shallow reef environments. Collection for the marine aquarium trade targets this species due to its distinctive bubble-like polyps, while destructive fishing practices using dynamite and cyanide damage entire reef systems where it occurs.
Where does rounded bubblegum coral live?
rounded bubblegum coral occurs in across multiple regions. Country-level distribution data is sourced from the IUCN Red List and cross-referenced with GBIF occurrences.
What are the main threats to rounded bubblegum coral?
The main threats to rounded bubblegum 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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