VU

thorn coral

Stylocoeniella cocosensis

Unknown

Overview

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

Stylocoeniella cocosensis faces severe pressure from ocean warming and acidification, which cause coral bleaching and reduce the species' ability to build its calcium carbonate skeleton. The coral's restricted range around the Cocos (Keeling) Islands makes it particularly vulnerable to localized disturbances, while rising sea levels and increased storm intensity threaten the shallow reef habitats where this species occurs.

Threat summary

Habitat

This coral species inhabits shallow tropical reef environments around the Cocos (Keeling) Islands in the Indian Ocean. It typically occurs in clear, warm waters where it contributes to reef structure formation in lagoon and reef flat areas.

MARINE· major

Threatened in Japan

Acropora hemprichiiEN

Acropora hemprichii

Declining
Calidris ferrugineaVU

Calidris ferruginea

Declining
EN

Montipora effusa

Declining
VU

Actinopyga miliaris

Declining

Frequently asked questions

Why is thorn coral classified as Vulnerable?
thorn 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. Stylocoeniella cocosensis faces severe pressure from ocean warming and acidification, which cause coral bleaching and reduce the species' ability to build its calcium carbonate skeleton. The coral's restricted range around the Cocos (Keeling) Islands makes it particularly vulnerable to localized disturbances, while rising sea levels and increased storm intensity threaten the shallow reef habitats where this species occurs.
Where does thorn coral live?
thorn 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 thorn coral?
The main threats to thorn 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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