The ORA Elkhorn produces very little to no polyp extension and generates a thick slime when bothered. Acropora palmata, the Elkhorn Coral, is the quintessential Caribbean Coral Reef species. Montipora Corals come in a vast variety of forms and colors, but this variety is a nice deep vivid green, with several branches. This species was once so abundant that entire regions of the reef were called the ‘Palmata Zone’ and it was important to know where the palmata zones were, because their sturdy branches easily sank ships. It, along with elkhorn coral and star corals (boulder, lobed, and mountainous) built Caribbean coral reefs over the last 5,000 years. Elkhorn coral (Acropora palmata) Mohamed bin Zayed Species project number 152511924 Distribution, abundance and conservation status of the Elkhorn coral (Acropora palmata, Lamarck, 1816) at “La Laja” coral reef, Veracruz, Mexico. Because of the extremely fast growth, the tips of the branches are often … The Elkhorn Montipora Coral is a small polyp stony (SPS) coral that grows well under a variety of lighting conditions. Staghorn coral is one of the most important corals in the Caribbean.

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Jan 8, 2013 - This Pin was discovered by Judy Nelson.

Florent's Guide To The Tropical Reefs - Elkhorn Coral - Acropora palmata - Stony Corals - - Stony Corals - Caribbean, Bahamas, Florida - Discover (and save!) In order to quantify Elkhorn abundance, areas of potential habitat with a high probability of encountering Elkhorn coral were chosen within 6 marine protected areas (MPA) on the east and west coast of the island. Elkhorn is an intricate, relatively thin branching coral with an army green background and white growth tips and highlights on the coral body. These provide important habitat for other reef animals, especially fish. The Elkhorn coral (Acropora palmata) is a Critically Endangered stony coral species distributed in the Caribbean, Gulf of Mexico, Florida and the Bahamas. As this coral grows, it forms a gnarling form like a branch from a tree growing on the windward side of a mountain. Staghorn coral can form dense groups called “thickets” in very shallow water. This species of coral is not seen often in the trade, making it highly desirable by SPS reefkeepers.

Florent's Guide To The South Florida Reefs - Elkhorn Coral - Acropora palmata - Stony Corals - - Stony Corals - Caribbean, Bahamas, Florida -