Lattice Table Coral

Acropora clathrata

Lattice table coral, or Acropora clathrata, is a stony coral species found across the Indo-Central Pacific region, from Madagascar to the Red Sea and Western Australia. It is typically found in fringing reefs, sheltered reefs, and back reef habitats. Divers can encounter this coral at depths ranging from 5 to 40 meters, with the coral's size often increasing with depth. The lattice table coral is a zooxanthellate species, meaning it harbors symbiotic algae that aid in photosynthesis, providing energy for the coral. This species is particularly notable for its association with Spirobranchus giganteus, a type of worm that embeds itself in the coral at higher densities than in other stony corals. In terms of reproduction, Acropora clathrata follows a typical coral life cycle. The zygote develops into a planktonic planula larva before undergoing metamorphosis, which includes the early development of tentacles, septa, and pharynx, eventually settling on the aboral end.