Pocillopora meandrina Coral
Pocillopora meandrina Coral
Pocillopora meandrina
Also Known As
Cauliflower coral
Quick Facts
Threats
Climate change (including ocean warming and ocean acidification),
Diseases,
Habitat degradation,
Unsustainable fishing
Region
Pacific Islands
Pocillopora meandrina coral. American Samoa. Photo courtesy of Dr. Douglas Fenner
Pocillopora meandrina coral. American Samoa. Photo courtesy of Dr. Douglas Fenner
About the Species
Pocillopora meandrina (sometimes called cauliflower coral) is found in coral communities at depths of 1 to 27 meters, commonly on shallow reefs exposed to strong wave action. It is found on most coral reefs of the Indo-Pacific and eastern Pacific, with a range extending from the Seychelles Islands in the Indian Ocean to the west coast of Central America in the eastern Pacific. The species is found in all U.S. Pacific Islands jurisdictions.
Protected Status
CITES Appendix II
- Throughout Its Range
Appearance
Colonies of Pocillopora meandrina are small upright bushes, with branches radiating from the initial point of growth. Branches are flattened and covered by bumps called verrucae. Colonies are usually cream colored, but can also be green or pink.
