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What is Table Coral?

Robert Ferguson
Robert Ferguson

Acropora, literally a porous branch or stem, is a type of coral commonly referred to as staghorn or table coral. Unlike other species of staghorn coral that branch out in a way similar to a tree or antlers, table coral branches out horizontally like a flattened bush, also resembling the top of a table. Due to the support provided by a connected coral stem attached to the sea floor, table coral creates a shaded shelter to numerous species of fish.

Generally, coral is divided into two categories, soft coral and hard coral. Soft corals referred to as “non-reef builders” are composed of soft “finger-like” extensions. Table coral is a hard coral, also known as a “reef builder,” which produces skeletons of calcium carbonate that become the infrastructure of all coral reefs. Depending on the environment, coral can grow into many different shapes. Some species of coral are round or flat, some resemble a bush or plant, while many have extensions that branch out like trees.

The Great Barrier Reef is composed of hard table coral.
The Great Barrier Reef is composed of hard table coral.

The outside composition of coral consists of coral polyps. Polyps are small invertebrates covering the entire surface of coral, responsible for providing the organism with nutrients. Some species of coral contain polyps with the ability to capture small fish using tentacles covered with stinging cells.

Living inside of the coral's tissue is a type of algae. This algae is responsible for the wide array of colors associated with coral. Algae can also provide nutrients to coral. For hard corals, the main sources of food are zooplankton and photosynthetic algae called zooxanthellae.

The Great Barrier Reef is northeast of Australia.
The Great Barrier Reef is northeast of Australia.

The distinct shape of table coral is key to its survival. This coral relies on zooxanthellae algae as a primary food source. As the algae provides food through the process of photosynthesis, the horizontal surface of table coral allows for maximum exposure to sunlight, which results in an abundance of nutrients.

Similar to other coral species, table coral thrives in shallow, warm waters as part of a coral reef community. A famous example is the Great Barrier Reef in Australia — due to its vast amounts of coral it can be considered the largest living organism on the planet. Hundreds of species of coral, including table coral, play an important role in the reef’s construction and the surrounding ecosystem. Around the world, reefs are in peril and are dying off at an alarming rate due to the effects of global warming and pollution.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is table coral and where can it be found?

Table coral is a type of stony coral characterized by its horizontal plates that resemble tabletops, which provide a complex habitat for marine life. It thrives in shallow, sunlit waters of tropical and subtropical oceans, particularly in the Indo-Pacific region. These corals are integral to reef ecosystems, offering shelter and food to a diverse array of species.

How does table coral contribute to the marine ecosystem?

Table coral plays a crucial role in marine ecosystems by forming extensive reefs that serve as protective structures and habitats for countless marine organisms. They act as natural breakwaters, mitigating wave energy and preventing coastal erosion. Additionally, they are hotspots for biodiversity, supporting species from tiny invertebrates to large fish, and are vital for fisheries and tourism industries.

What are the main threats to table coral populations?

Table coral populations face several threats, including climate change, which leads to coral bleaching and ocean acidification. Overfishing, destructive fishing practices, and coastal development also pose significant risks. According to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), pollution and sedimentation from land-based sources further exacerbate the decline of these delicate coral structures.

How does climate change affect table coral?

Climate change significantly impacts table coral through increased sea temperatures, causing coral bleaching where corals expel their symbiotic algae, losing their color and vital energy source. Ocean acidification, another consequence of climate change, weakens coral skeletons by reducing the availability of calcium carbonate needed for growth, making them more susceptible to damage and disease.

Can table coral recover from bleaching, and how?

Table coral can recover from bleaching if the stressor, such as elevated water temperature, is removed in time and the coral is otherwise healthy. Recovery involves the re-establishment of symbiotic algae within the coral's tissues, which can take weeks to months. However, repeated or prolonged stress events can lead to coral death, emphasizing the need for conservation efforts.

What conservation efforts are in place to protect table coral?

Conservation efforts for table coral include establishing marine protected areas to reduce direct human impacts, enforcing sustainable fishing practices, and regulating coastal development. Restoration projects, such as coral gardening and transplantation, help rehabilitate damaged reefs. Internationally, initiatives like the Coral Triangle Alliance work to preserve coral biodiversity through regional collaboration and education.

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    • The Great Barrier Reef is composed of hard table coral.
      By: StrangerView
      The Great Barrier Reef is composed of hard table coral.
    • The Great Barrier Reef is northeast of Australia.
      By: lesniewski
      The Great Barrier Reef is northeast of Australia.