Creature of the Month: Table Coral
Table coral (Acropora species) are among the fastest growing corals, with upward growth between 10 and 20 cm per year. This is achieved through their porous skeleton and the branched habit that will re-establish themselves readily when damaged. In the Caribbean, Acropora colonies are brown or yellowish in colour, often with white tips. In the Indo-Pacific, though, they are among the most brightly coloured corals on the reef. Acropora is an important reef-building coral and often dominates shallow areas. It provides shelter for a variety of small fishes and other animals.