EN

spine coral

Hydnophora bonsai

Unknown

Overview

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

Hydnophora bonsai faces severe pressure from ocean warming and acidification, which causes coral bleaching and reduces the species' ability to build its distinctive calcium carbonate skeleton. Coastal development and sedimentation from land-based activities smother coral colonies, while destructive fishing practices physically damage the fragile branching structures that characterize this spine coral species.

Threat summary

Habitat

Hydnophora bonsai inhabits shallow tropical coral reef environments in the Indo-Pacific region, typically found at depths of 5-30 meters on reef slopes and lagoons. This species forms distinctive branching colonies with characteristic spine-like projections, contributing to the structural complexity of coral reef ecosystems.

MARINE· major

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Frequently asked questions

Why is spine coral classified as Endangered?
spine coral is classified as Endangered — facing a very high risk of extinction in the wild — because population numbers are declining steeply and key habitats are under sustained pressure. Hydnophora bonsai faces severe pressure from ocean warming and acidification, which causes coral bleaching and reduces the species' ability to build its distinctive calcium carbonate skeleton. Coastal development and sedimentation from land-based activities smother coral colonies, while destructive fishing practices physically damage the fragile branching structures that characterize this spine coral species.
Where does spine coral live?
spine coral occurs in Japan. Country-level distribution data is sourced from the IUCN Red List and cross-referenced with GBIF occurrences.
What are the main threats to spine coral?
The main threats to spine 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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