Identification
Morphology:
Massive, often with rounded bumps on the surface or forming columns that coalesce into a solid mass with rounded tops. Long-lived colonies can reach enormous sizes. Polyps are polygonal and moderately deep. The corallite walls are very distinct, creating rows of rounded granules connected by rod-like structures. Septa are well-developed and granular on the surface. The axial skeleton is lamellar and interlocking. Living specimens display colors ranging from yellowish-brown to light and dark shades of green.
Biology and Ecology
A reef-building coral species, typically found in shallow coastal waters (0 – 20m). In areas with large tidal ranges, this species often develops into microatolls. In subtidal zones, it forms very large massive colonies.
Distribution
Within Vietnam:
Quảng Ninh (Hạ Long, Cô Tô, Đảo Trần), Hải Phòng (Cát Bà, Long Châu, Bạch Long Vỹ), Thanh Hoá (Hòn Mê), Hà Tĩnh (hòn Sơn Dương) and the central coastal provinces from Quảng Trị (Cồn Cỏ) to Bà Rịa – Vũng Tàu (Côn Đảo), the southwestern islands, and the Trường Sa archipelago.
Global:
Widespread throughout the tropical Indo-Pacific region.
Uses
Used in rock gardens, as decoration in aquariums, and as building materials. Specimens that live for thousands of years are valuable for paleoclimate research.
Conservation Status
Threats:
This species is currently being overexploited. It is a sensitive species, prone to mass mortality events when environmental conditions change. Its distribution range is shrinking due to coastal pollution, particularly from turbidity and low salinity.
IUCN Red List Status: VU A1a,c,d B2e+3b.
Conservation Measures
- Prohibit the exploitation of living coral for economic purposes.
- Protect island forests and upstream forests.
- Prohibit the use of toxins and explosives for fishing on reefs.
- Prohibit bottom trawling near coral reefs.