Elkhorn coral grows in a branching, tree-like form, with each branch resembling the « horns of an elk », which is how it got its name. Another coral from the same family also resembles animal horns, the staghorn coral. Elkhorn coral is a large species with imposing branches that can reach over 6.5 feet in length.
Elkhorn coral grows in a branching, tree-like form, with each branch resembling the horns of an elk, hence its name
Range
Elkhorn coral is endemic to the central western Atlantic ocean. It can be found in the Caribbean sea, the Gulf of Mexico and along the coasts of Florida and the Bahamas.
Habitat
Elkhorn coral thrives in shallow tropical waters where light is crucial for its symbiotic partners, the zooxanthellae. It is one of the key pillars of the reef ecosystem.
Diet
Like all corals, elkhorn coral is a carnivore that primarily feeds on zooplankton, which it captures with its tentacles equipped with numerous stinging cells that harpoon and paralyze its prey.
Elkhorn coral is a large coral species with imposing branches that can reach over 6.5 feet in length
Elkhorn coral has been listed on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species since 2008. It is classified as a critically endangered coral species !
However, zooplankton is scarce in shallow tropical waters, so elkhorn coral relies on its valuable allies, the zooxanthellae, to meet its energy needs. These microscopic algae live in symbiosis with the coral, providing it with nutrients and oxygen through photosynthesis.
Reproduction
Elkhorn coral reproduces sexually with massive releases of male and female gametes. From fertilization and egg development, tiny planktonic larvae are produced. After a brief pelagic life, the larvae settle on the reef and transform into polyps. The first polyp then divides asexually to form an entire colony.
If a branch of elkhorn coral breaks, it can become the site of a new colony's development.
Did you know ?
Like most corals, elkhorn coral relies partly on the energy and oxygen provided by its symbiotic zooxanthellae.
Similar to the annual growth rings of trees visible in a tree trunk’s cross-section, the age of corals can be determined by examining the growth rings of the coral branch.
Elkhorn coral has been listed on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species since 2008. It is classified as « critically endangered » due to a more than 80% reduction in its presence over the past 30 years !
The Acroporidae family includes the most important coral species in reef formation.
Tips for observing
With its imposing branches and characteristic bushy form, elkhorn coral stands out from the rest of the reef ! So keep an eye out and take in a panoramic view of the entire reef !
Due to the impressive size of its branches and its characteristic bushy form, elkhorn coral stands out from the rest of the reef !
La tortue de mer caouanne est l'une des sept espèces de tortues marines existantes. Présente dans les océans du monde entier, la tortue caouanne est une espèce migratrice qui joue un rôle clé dans les écosystèmes marins. La tortue de mer caouanne est la deuxième plus grande espèce de tortues marines après la tortue luth avec une carapace qui mesure en moyenne entre 90 et 100 centimètres de longueur.
Vendredi 21 Février 2025
EPCOT, un voyage à travers les cultures et l'innovation
EPCOT est l'un des quatre parcs à thème emblématiques de Disney à Orlando, en Floride. Ouvert en 1982, ce parc est bien plus qu'un simple lieu de divertissement, c'est un mélange unique de découvertes culturelles, de technologie de pointe et d'innovations. Si vous êtes un passionné de voyage, de culture et de futurisme, le parc Disney d'EPCOT vous offre une expérience inoubliable !
Samedi 15 Février 2025
La carangue crevalle
La carangue crevalle est une espèce de poisson largement répandue dans les eaux tropicales et subtropicales de l'océan Atlantique. La carangue crevalle présente un corps argenté fuselé avec une pointe de jaune et a la réputation d'être un redoutable prédateur à la fois rapide et agile.
