Acropora Cervicornis
The Acropora cervicornis, also known as the staghorn coral, is a coral that branches. The acropora cervicornis has branches that are cylinder shaped and they may reach up to two meters long or be as short as just a couple centimeters. The acropora cervicronis may be found in fore reefs and back reefs that reach to 30 meters in depth. The wave forces defines the upper limit of the acropora cervicornis while the lower level is known more for its availability of light and suspended sediment.
Acropora Cervicornis In The Caribbean
Acropora cervicornis used to dominate the fore reef zones that were located at depths of five meters to 25 meters. Of all the Atlantic corals, the acropora cervicornis is the fastest growing. It is known to branch out in length as much as 20 centimeters in a single year. As far as fishery habitat and reef growth go the acropora cervicornis has been one of the Caribbeans most important corals.
Acropora Cervicornis Distribution
The acropora cervicornis is found in the Caribbean as well as in the Bahamas and in the Florida Keys. Also, the acropora cervicornis coral reaches as north as Boca Raton, but not much more than that. The acropora cervicornis is not found in Bermuda or along South America western coast.
Acropora Cervicornis Threats
There are threats to acropora cervicornis. Generally, reproduction for this type of coral is asexual and growth occurs by branches breaking off of the colony and then reattaching to substrate. Because of this, when there are storms or other disturbances to the acropora cervicornis the population is able to quickly recover. The one thing that is difficult to recover from is if there are diseases. When bleaching or diseases occurs it is very possible for colonies and in some cases coral stands to be killed.
Acropora Cervicornis And Reproduction
In August or September every year sexual reproduction takes place. This occurs because millions of gametes are sent out into the water. Since the colonies are female and male, which is known as simultaneous hermaphrodites, the gametes are released from all colonies.
Acropora Cervicornis Success Rate
Then, the planula, which is the coral larvae, lives inside plankton for a few days until it finds a place to settle. The problem is that despite the fact that millions are sent out into the water very few actually find a place to settle. The problem with this is that the coral is not able to reproduce as quickly and that the genetic diversity of this coral population is likely low.
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