5. The Elkhorn Coral (Acropora palmata)
One of the most remarkable and significant coral species in the Caribbean, the Elkhorn Coral boasts magnificent, antler-like branches extending like the horns of an elk. Underwater, this fast-growing coral can create large “forests” that serve many different marine life’s necessary habitat. The fast pace of growth of the Elkhorn Coral and its capacity to resist heavy wave action in shallow waters set it apart especially. Among the coral species in the area, this one grows up to 5 inches annually, among the quickest ones. The unusual branching form of the Elkhorn Coral helps it to disperse wave energy, therefore shielding beaches from storm damage and erosion. Sadly, the Elkhorn Coral has struggled greatly in recent years, much as many coral species have. Particularly white band disease, illness epidemics have wiped off communities all around the Caribbean. Further stressing these corals have been pollution, ocean acidification, and climate change; these have resulted in their designation as highly endangered. Still, attempts at conservation are under way to safeguard and rebuild Elkhorn Coral numbers. Using creative methods like coral gardening—where bits of healthy coral are cultivated in nurseries and then relocated to deteriorated reef areas—scientists are In order to find resilient variants that would be more suited to thrive in evolving ocean circumstances, researchers are also looking at the genetic variation of Elkhorn Coral communities. Not only for the coral itself but also for the whole reef ecosystem this species supports, its recovery is vital.