Acanthastrea rotundoflora

Acanthastrea rotundoflora is a coral species found in the Indo-Pacific region, spanning from the Red Sea to Australia and the East China Sea. This coral is known for its massive or encrusting colonies, which feature widely spaced plocoid corallites. In smaller colonies, a conspicuous central corallite is often visible. The septa of this coral have long pointed teeth, and its coloration varies from rusty-brown to dark brown or green, making it distinguishable from other coral species in its habitat. This coral inhabits tropical reef environments at depths ranging from 0 to 30 meters. It is a zooxanthellate species, relying heavily on symbiotic dinoflagellates living within its tissues for nutrition. These photosynthetic organisms can provide up to 90% of the coral's energy needs, with the remainder supplemented by planktonic organisms captured by the coral's tentacles. The conservation status of Acanthastrea rotundoflora is assessed as 'Least Concern' by the IUCN. Despite its wide range, it is considered uncommon and faces threats from global coral reef habitat loss, climate change, and ocean acidification. However, it is less susceptible to bleaching than some related species due to its preference for deeper waters.