Acropora cervicornis - Staghorn coral (Dana Nieuwkerk)

Acropora cervicornis is a coral that we saw at several sites, predominantly Cheeca Rocks and Stag Party East; the latter of which is named after the common name of Acropora cervicornis: staghorn coral. Though Acropora cervicornis is present at both sites, Stag Party East is more celebrated for their presence because it exhibits a natural population, as opposed to the restorative planting of Acropora cervicornis at Cheeca Rocks. Some staghorn corals were present at Looe Key. 

Acropora cervicornis present at Looe Key.

The species can reproduce both sexually and asexually, but asexual fragmentation is dominant, in which a branch breaks off the colony and reattaches to the substrate to grow its own colony. Sexual reproduction occurs once a year; the colony releases gametes into the water column in August-September. 

Several Acropora cervicornis present at Stag Party East.

It is thought Stag Party East started growing its own colonies through larval recruitment or a storm bringing fragmented coral to the area; this is the first naturally grown population to the area in fifteen years and research is currently being done to quantify growth and population size over a period of time. Staghorn corals can live in waters ranging from 0m-30m that are >20C, pending wave action, light penetration, and turbidity. The coral primarily obtain energy through the photosynthesis of their symbiotic zooxanthellae, however they are able to use their tentacles (which have nematocysts) to capture and eat small fish and zooplankton. The axial arrangement of the coral polyps allows the branches to interconnect and grow together, while the light skeleton allows the corals to grow quickly.

Longterm prospects for this species are dependent on our ability to maintain good habitat as well as successful restoration techniques.