scalpel coral
VU

scalpel coral

Galaxea astreata

Unknown

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

Overview

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

Scalpel coral faces severe pressure from ocean warming and acidification, which cause bleaching events and weaken its calcium carbonate skeleton. Coastal development and sedimentation from land-based activities smother coral polyps and reduce water quality in shallow reef environments. Destructive fishing practices and anchor damage from boats directly destroy coral colonies, while pollution from agricultural runoff creates nutrient imbalances that promote harmful algal growth.

Threat summary

Habitat

Scalpel coral inhabits shallow tropical and subtropical coral reef environments, typically found in clear waters at depths of 5-30 meters. It forms colonies on hard substrates including reef slopes, lagoons, and protected coastal areas where water circulation is adequate but wave action is moderate.

MARINE· major

Other threatened species in Euphylliidae

Galaxea acrheliaVU

Galaxea acrhelia

Unknown
Euphyllia cristataVU

Euphyllia cristata

Unknown
VU

octopus coral

Galaxea cryptoramosa

Unknown
VU

Euphyllia paraglabrescens

Unknown

Threatened in American Samoa

Sitona maculariusVU

Sitona macularius

Unknown
VU

Alveopora excelsa

Declining
EN

Acropora rudis

Declining
EN

Montipora corbettensis

Declining

Frequently asked questions

Why is scalpel coral classified as Vulnerable?
scalpel 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. Scalpel coral faces severe pressure from ocean warming and acidification, which cause bleaching events and weaken its calcium carbonate skeleton. Coastal development and sedimentation from land-based activities smother coral polyps and reduce water quality in shallow reef environments. Destructive fishing practices and anchor damage from boats directly destroy coral colonies, while pollution from agricultural runoff creates nutrient imbalances that promote harmful algal growth.
Where does scalpel coral live?
scalpel coral occurs in American Samoa, Australia, British Indian Ocean Territory, China, Cook Islands, and Fiji (plus 32 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 scalpel coral?
The main threats to scalpel 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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