Acropora tenella

Occurring in

Indian Ocean
Indopacific
Red Sea
South Pacific

25-110m

DayAndNightActive

Endangered

Acropora tenella is the record holder for depth; it is the only Zooxanthellae coral that can reach depths of over 100 meters. It forms plate-shaped colonies that attach themselves laterally to the ground. Its branches are delicate, long, and beautiful to look at.

Habitat

Rocky Reef

Special features

Acropora tenella is the record holder for depth; it is the only Zooxanthellae coral that can reach depths of over 100 meters.

Appearance

It forms plate-shaped colonies that attach themselves laterally to the ground. Its branches are delicate, long, and beautiful to look at. The polyps' colors vary between blue, green, and beige.

Natural enemies

Fish

Dangerous/Venomous

The Acropora tenella is neither dangerous nor venomous.

Sketch

Acropora tenella_koralle_coral_divedict_underwaterworld_diving_tauchen

1. Long, delicate branches

Pro tips

It spreads broadly over horizontal surfaces and can orient itself in various positions.
Even at enormous depths, your zooxanthellae are still able to photosynthesize from a small amount of residual light, from which the polyps can survive. This makes her an invincible deep-settler.

delicate antler corals_acropora_tenellaDivedict_underwater world_diving_biological_lexicon

Text: Carolina Leiter

Pic: Felician Hosp

Illustration: Dive Dict