Staghorn Coral
Where are they typically found?
Bahamas, Florida, and Caribbean
What do Elkhorn coral branches look like?
Frond-like
What is the main threat to coral?
Ocean warming
How is NOAA is restoring Elkhorn corals?
Creating coral nurseries
True or False: Staghorn coral is one of the fastest-growing corals
True
What do their branches look like?
Antler-like
Other than algae, how do Elkhorn corals feed?
Capture plankton with polyp tentacles.
How can fishing be a threat to coral?
A result from the removal of fish that eat algae and keep reefs clean to allow space for coral to grow.
What are they doing with the sperm and eggs of coral?
Collecting and fertaizing to create new corals.
What % of the original population of Staghorn corals remain
3%
Where do they get food?
Photosynthetic algae and plankton
What are dense groups in very shallow water called?
thickets
How is coral bleaching a threat?
If stress doesn't go away it will result in the coral dying.
True or False: Corals are monitored and maintained.
True
How many times does Elkhorn coral reproduce after a full moon in late summer?
Once a year
What phylum are Staghorn coral in?
Cnidaria
What reefs were named for Elkhorn coral because it was so abundant?
Caribbean reefs
How can land-based sources of pollution affect coral?
It can prevent coral growth and reproduction.
Why are Elkhorn and Staghorn corals good candidates for restoration?
They grow quickly and can regenerate from damage.
True or False: Elkhorn coral is not considered critically endangered by reef scientists.
False
When healthy, how much can it grow in a year?
Up to 8 inches
When healthy, how much can it grow in a year?
Up to 5 inches.
How is ocean acidification a threat?
It is harder for the coral to build its skeleton.
What is the most common technique used where asexual reproduction occurs?
Coral Gardening
How many years can Elkhorn coral live up to?
5,000 years