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Invertebrate
Near Threatened

Table Coral

Acropora hyacinthus

Fast-growing plate coral forming wide tables that shelter reef fish.

Family

Acroporidae

Avg Size

50-200 cm

Habitat

Table coral occurs in the central Pacific and along the Australian east coast, growing at depths of 1 to 25 m (3 ft 3 in to 82 ft) on the upper slopes of shallow reefs. Like most corals it is listed as data deficient on the IUCN Red List and is included under Appendix II of CITES; although population figures are unknown, its numbers are believed to be falling in step with the worldwide decline of reefs. Likely threats include the global loss of coral reefs, rising temperatures and the bleaching they cause, climate change, human activity, the crown-of-thorns starfish (Acanthaster planci), and disease.

Table Coral

Where & When to See It

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