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 !
Discover the skunk cleaner shrimp (Lysmata amboinensis), a small tropical shrimp famous for cleaning parasites and debris from reef fish.
Wednesday, August 26th 2026
The islands of Japan: an archipelago of a thousand faces
Discover the islands of Japan, a vast archipelago with diverse landscapes ranging from volcanic islands and tropical beaches to traditional villages and the major islands of Honshu, Hokkaido, Kyushu, and Shikoku.
Monday, August 24th 2026
The common European lobster
Discover the common European lobster (Homarus gammarus), a large crustacean found in the cold and temperate coastal waters of the Northeast Atlantic. Learn about its distinctive features, habitat, diet, and fascinating reproductive biology.
