Acropora polystoma

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Acropora polystoma
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Domain: Eukaryota
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Cnidaria
Class: Hexacorallia
Order: Scleractinia
Family: Acroporidae
Genus: Acropora
Species:
A. polystoma
Binomial name
Acropora polystoma
(Brook, 1891)
Synonyms
  • Acropora massawensis von Marenzeller, 1907
  • Madrepora polystoma Brook, 1891

Acropora polystoma is a species of acroporid coral that was first described by G. Brook in 1891. Found in marine, tropical, reefs on upper slopes where waves are strong, it occurs at depths between 3 and 10 m (9.8 and 32.8 ft). It is classed as a vulnerable species on the IUCN Red List, and it has a decreasing population. It is not common and found over a large area and is classified under CITES Appendix II.

Description

Acropora polystoma is found in colonies of clumps or of

Acropora massawensis[2] and other species of the robusta group.[3] It is found in marine environments in tropical, shallow reefs, at depths between 3 and 10 m (9.8 and 32.8 ft). It occurs on slopes of reefs damaged by strong waves, and reef edges.[1] It is composed of aragonite (calcium carbonate).[4]

Distribution

Acropora polystoma is uncommon and found over a large area; the Gulf of Aden, the Indian Ocean, the Indo-Pacific, Southeast Asia, Australia, and the western Pacific. The species also occurs in Japan, American Samoa, the Cook Islands, and five regions of Indonesia. It spawns in October in the French Polynesia.[1] It is threatened by reef destruction, climate change, rising sea temperatures leading to bleaching, coral disease, being prey to starfish Acanthaster planci, and human activity and infrastructure. It is listed as a vulnerable species on the IUCN Red List, is under CITES Appendix II, and might be found in Marine Protected Areas.[1]

Taxonomy

It was first described by G. Brook in 1891 as Madrepora polystoma.[5]

References

  1. ^ . Retrieved 13 November 2021.
  2. ^ a b c d e "Acropora polystoma Fact Sheet. (Brook, 1891)". Australian Institute of Marine Science. Archived from the original on 3 March 2015. Retrieved 28 December 2014.
  3. ^ .
  4. ^ "Measurements and facts about Acropora polystoma". Encyclopedia of Life. Retrieved 29 December 2014.
  5. ^ "Acropora polystoma". World Register of Marine Species. Retrieved 29 December 2014.