Elkhorn coral (Acropora palmata)
Kingdom: Animalia
Class: Anthozoa
Order: Scleractinia
Family: Acroporidae
Listing Status:
Where Listed: WHEREVER FOUND
General Information
Elkhorn coral is a large, branching coral with thick and sturdy antler-like branches. Colonies are fast growing: branches increase in length by 2-4 inches (5-10 cm) per year, with colonies reaching their maximum size in approximately 10-12 years. Over the last 10,000 years, elkhorn coral has been one of the three most important Caribbean corals contributing to reef growth and development and providing essential fish habitat.
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This map represents our best available information about where a species is currently known to or or is believed to occur; however, it should NOT be used as an official species list for Section 7 Consultation purposes. To obtain an official species list for this purpose, please visit the Information, Planning, and Conservation (IPaC) System (click here: http://ecos.fws.gov/ipac)
This species is listed wherever it is found, but
- States/US Territories in which the Elkhorn coral is known to or is believed to occur: Florida , Puerto Rico , Virgin Islands
- US Counties in which the Elkhorn coral is known to or is believed to occur: View All
- Countries in which the the Elkhorn coral is known to occur: Belize, Colombia, Costa Rica, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico, Nicaragua, Panama, Venezuela
Status | Date Listed | Lead Region | Where Listed |
---|---|---|---|
06/08/2006 | National Marine Fisheries Service (Region 11) |
» Federal Register Documents
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» Recovery
Recovery Plan Information SearchNo recovery information is available for the Elkhorn coral.
» Critical Habitat
Date | Citation Page | Title | Document Type | Status |
---|---|---|---|---|
11/26/2008 | 73 FR 72210 72240 | Critical Habitat for Threatened Elkhorn and Staghorn Corals; Final Rule | Final Rule | Final designated |
To learn more about critical habitat please see http://criticalhabitat.fws.gov
» Conservation Plans
No conservation plans have been created for Elkhorn coral
» Petitions
No petition findings have been published for the Elkhorn coral.
» Life History
No Life History information has been entered into this system for this species.
» Other Resources
NatureServe Explorer Species Reports -- NatureServe Explorer is a source for authoritative conservation information on more than 50,000 plants, animals and ecological communtities of the U.S and Canada. NatureServe Explorer provides in-depth information on rare and endangered species, but includes common plants and animals too. NatureServe Explorer is a product of NatureServe in collaboration with the Natural Heritage Network.
ITIS Reports -- ITIS (the Integrated Taxonomic Information System) is a source for authoritative taxonomic information on plants, animals, fungi, and microbes of North America and the world.