Elkhorn Coral

Photo: Ryan McMinds · CC BY

Recovering stands of elkhorn coral at Cades Reef represent one of the Eastern Caribbean's more encouraging coral restoration success stories, with colonies reaching 1–2 metres in diameter in the shallowest zones. This critically endangered species provides essential three-dimensional habitat for hundreds of reef fish species during their juvenile phase. The relative shelter from wave exposure along this coast has helped colonies avoid the mechanical damage that has destroyed elkhorn populations elsewhere.