Acropora vaughani

Lore & Background

Acropora vaughani was described by J. W. Wells in 1954. It forms open branched colonies that sometimes appear bushy due to short branchlets. The species has a large number of incipient axial corallites and well-spaced radial corallites of varying lengths, with a fine coenosteum. Its colour ranges from cream to pale blue or brown, and it resembles Acropora rufus.

The species is found in the northern Indian Ocean, the central Indo-Pacific, Australia, southeast Asia, Japan, the East China Sea, the oceanic western and central Pacific Ocean, and Madagascar. It occurs at depths of 3 to 20 metres in tropical shallow reefs around fringing reefs in turbid waters.

Reader's Guide

Acropora vaughani is classed as an endangered species on the IUCN Red List, with a decreasing population trend. Its population figures are unknown, but it is likely threatened by the global reduction of coral reefs, temperature increases causing coral bleaching, climate change, human activity, the crown-of-thorns starfish (Acanthaster planci), and disease. The species is also listed under Appendix II of CITES. Its significance lies in its adaptation to turbid water environments, which are often less studied than clear-water reefs. The description by J. W. Wells in 1954 established its taxonomic identity, and its wide distribution across the Indo-Pacific and Madagascar highlights its ecological range. The threats it faces reflect broader challenges to coral reef ecosystems worldwide.

Did You Know?

• It is found in turbid water at depths of 3 to 20 metres.
• It is listed as endangered on the IUCN Red List and under Appendix II of CITES.