Elkhorn coral

Acropora palmata

Acropora palmata is a stony coral ( Scleractinia ). She is one of only three Acropora species from the Caribbean Sea, the coasts of Florida to Venezuela, where they often dominate the upper, highly agitated by waves areas of coral reefs. Because of their large, blade-like branches it is called in German Elchgeweihkoralle.

Features

The branches of these coral species reach a diameter of about ten inches. In large, monospecific stands the ends of the branches grow together often, so that they form a roof in one to two meters in height above the substrate. The runner under maze of coral branches serves many fish and other animals as a hiding place. Over time, the voids are then filled with sediment. So also limestone layers in the Florida Keys emerged that are 125,000 years old.

In the reef aquarium, it plays no role. Acropora palmata is not imported.

Diseases

White pox disease

Scientists have now demonstrated that the bacterium Serratia marcescens in Acropora palmata triggers the so-called white pox disease. Genetic testing and laboratory experiments showed that this deadly for coral seed is not from other animals, but from effluents of man.