scubaseason
Critically Endangered· population decreasing· assessed 2022

Elkhorn Coral

Acropora palmata

Sighting evidence at Catalinita Island, Bayahibe

Elkhorn Coral

Photo: Ryan McMinds · CC BY

Catalinita hosts some of the healthiest remaining stands of elkhorn coral in the Greater Antilles, a species classified as Critically Endangered across most of its range. The branching thickets at 3 to 8 metres provide nursery habitat for juvenile snappers, grunts, and damselfish, creating a self-reinforcing cycle of reef productivity.

Evidence at this site

No confirmed records on file at this site

Elkhorn Coral is listed as a curated species here based on historical reports.

How is this calculated?

Sighting evidence is compiled from iNaturalist observation records within a set proximity radius, filtered for quality-grade observations. “Last confirmed” is the date of the most recent research-grade record. Record count covers a rolling 24-month window. Confidence reflects record count, recency, and consistency of seasonal signal.

Also seen at other sites