About The Species
Status
Relative localized abundance refers to how commonly a species is observed on surveys in a localized area. Veron (2014) reports that Pavona diffluens occupied 0.47 percent of 2,984 dive sites sampled in 30 ecoregions of the Indo-Pacifc. It was given an abundance rating on a scale of 1 (low) to 5 (high) at each site where it occurred, based on how common it was at that site. Pavona diffluens had a mean abundance rating of 1.43. Based on this semi-quantitative system, the species’ abundance was characterized as “rare.”
Absolute overall abundance refers to a rough qualitative minimum estimate of the total number of colonies of a species that currently exist throughout its range. These estimates were calculated based on results from Richards et al. (2008) and Veron (2014). The absolute abundance of Pavona diffluens is likely at least millions of colonies.
Protected Status
Appearance
Colonies of Pavona diffluens are sub-massive and tan-colored.
Where They Live
Based on confirmed observations and strong predictions of occurrence in areas that have not yet been surveyed sufficiently, Pavona diffluens is
likely distributed along part of the east African coast, the Red Sea, and the northwestern Indian Ocean.
Pavona diffluens occurs in at least upper reef slopes, mid-slopes, lower reef crests, reef flats, and lagoons in depths of 5 to at least 20 meters.
Lifespan & Reproduction
The reproductive characteristics of Pavona diffluens have not been determined, however, 6 other Pavona species are known to be gonochoristic (individual colonies have either male or female gametes, not both) broadcast spawners.
Threats
Ocean Warming
The species’ distribution is limited to parts of the western Indian Ocean and Red Sea where projections of local threats and general effects of climate change are both frequent and severe over the foreseeable future. The Red Sea in particular is projected to experience frequent warming events sooner than most other parts of the Indo-Pacific region.
Scientific Classification
| Animalia |
Cnidaria |
Anthozoa |
Scleractinia |
Agariciidae |
Pavona |
diffluens |
