Acropora Palmata
Acropora palmate is the scientific name for Elkhorn coral. In the Caribbean, acropora palmate is considered to be one of the main corals for reef building. There are large branches in this complex coral structure and although acropora palmate is called Elkhorn coral it more closely resembles moose antlers.
Structure Of The Acropora Palmata
The branches of the acropora palmate are incredibly important for species that live in the reef including reef fish, snappers, parrotfish, lobsters, and other reef species. Although many corals are slow growing, the acropora palmate is not one of them. These corals grow very quickly and may reach 12 feet in diameter over time by growing five to 10 centimeters each year.
Acropora Palmata Details
The acropora palmate is generally colored yellow brown to completely brown. The color of the acropora palmata is based on the existence of zooxanthellae that live within the corals tissues. Zooxanthellae and acropora palmate have a symbiotic relationship whereby the coral provides safety and protection while the zooxanthellae provide nutrients to the acropora palmate coral. The coral also benefits by having the zooxanthellae remove their waste and extract the nutrients from it.
Acropora Palmata Reproduction Methods
The acropora palmate reproduce asexually in most cases by fragmentation. Fragmentation of acropora palmate occurs when a coral branch breaks off the original colony and then reattaches to the substrate to form a completely new colony.
Density Of The Acropora Palmata In The Caribbean
The actual percentage of colonies in the Caribbean that have resulted from acropora palmate fragmentation as opposed to sexual reproduction varies, however it is believed that approximately half of the acropora palmate colonies are a result of fragmentation. The acropora palmate does reproduce sexually and this occurs once per year, generally in the late summer months of August or September. Sexual reproduction takes places when the corals release millions of games into the water. This occurs through broadcast spawning.
Acropora Palmata Distribution
The acropora palmate is found mostly in the Caribbean and reaches to the Florida Keys and the Bahamas. Acropora Palmata has been found in Venezuela and as north as Biscayne National Park, which is in Florida. The change in the growth pattern of acropora palmate is believed to be based on changes in the climate rather than just a natural progression northward. Generally, acropora palmate is found in waters that are 26-30 degrees Celsius and that are shallow. Some colonies have been found in waters as deep as 20 meters, although they are most abundant in waters that are one to five meters deep.
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