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
Geographic 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 !
Within the same genus
Acropora cythereacoral (Acropora cytherea)
Acropora pulchra coral (Acropora pulchra)
Pharaoh coral (Acropora parapharaonis)
Staghorn coral (Acropora cervicornis)
Discover also
Atlantic sea nettle (Chrysaora quinquecirrha)
Big siphonophore (Forskalia edwardsii)
Compass jellyfish (Chrysaora hysoscella)
Fried egg jellyfish (Cotylorhiza tuberculata)
Giant caribbean anemone (Condylactis gigantea)
Plumose sea anemone (Metridium senile)
Purple gorgonian (Paramuricea clavata)
Slimy sea plume (Antillogorgia americana)
The marine species from Caribbean sea
Eyed flounder (Bothus ocellatus)
Longspined porcupinefish (Diodon holocanthus)
Pederson cleaner shrimp (Ancylomenes pedersoni)
Red cushion sea star (Oreaster reticulatus)
Scrawled filefish (Aluterus scriptus)
Spanish hogfish (Bodianus rufus)
Spotted goatfish (Pseudupeneus maculatus)
Yellowhead jawfish (Opistognathus aurifrons)
Dive centers
'Les Ilets' dive center
Noa dive center
Our latestUpdates
Wednesday, November 19th 2025
Tenerife island
Tenerife, the largest of the Canary islands, is a volcanic gem in the Atlantic ocean. It boasts an incredible variety of landscapes, from golden or black sand beaches to the subtropical forests of the Anaga mountains and the majestic Teide volcano, Spain's highest peak. With its picturesque villages, rich local culture and countless outdoor activities, Tenerife is a perfect destination for every type of traveler.
Saturday, November 15th 2025
Batz island
Located in the English Channel off the northern coast of Brittany, just a few kilometers from the town of Roscoff, Batz island is a true little haven of peace where you can enjoy its wild landscapes, unspoiled beaches and historical heritage.
Friday, November 7th 2025
The common sea fan
The common sea fan, is a type of soft coral found in the warm, shallow waters of the Caribbean and the western Atlantic ocean. It grows in wide, fan-shaped forms that sway gently with the ocean currents, helping it catch tiny food particles drifting by. Its beautiful purple branches are covered by a thin living tissue that hosts tiny algae, which provide much of the coral's energy through sunlight.
