Acropora cervicornis
Encounter Rate
Spotting Difficulty
Best Season
Year-round
Depth Range
1-30 meters
Staghorn corals of the genus Acropora are the primary reef-building corals of Komodo National Park and the architectural foundation upon which the entire reef ecosystem depends. These fast-growing hard corals form intricate branching structures that resemble deer antlers, creating complex three-dimensional habitat that provides shelter, feeding grounds, and nursery areas for hundreds of fish and invertebrate species. In Komodo, healthy Acropora fields are found in shallow, well-lit reef flats and upper slopes where their symbiotic zooxanthellae algae receive maximum sunlight for photosynthesis. These corals are among the fastest-growing reef organisms, with individual branches extending up to 15 centimetres per year under ideal conditions. However, they are also among the most vulnerable to environmental stress — rising ocean temperatures can trigger mass bleaching events where the coral expels its algae and turns white, and physical damage from anchors, fins, or storms can destroy decades of growth in moments. Protecting Komodo's staghorn coral fields is essential for maintaining the biodiversity that makes the park a world-class diving destination.
Average Size
0.5-1m colony diameter
Size Range
10cm-2m colony diameter
Maximum Size
2m colony diameter
Derives most energy from photosynthesis by symbiotic zooxanthellae algae living in its tissue. Also captures zooplankton and dissolved organic matter using tiny polyps that extend at night.
Staghorn corals of the genus Acropora are the primary reef-building corals of Komodo National Park and the architectural foundation upon which the entire reef ecosystem depends. These fast-growing hard corals form intricate branching structures that resemble deer antlers, creating complex three-dimensional habitat that provides shelter, feeding grounds, and nursery areas for hundreds of fish and invertebrate species. In Komodo, healthy Acropora fields are found in shallow, well-lit reef flats and upper slopes where their symbiotic zooxanthellae algae receive maximum sunlight for photosynthesis. These corals are among the fastest-growing reef organisms, with individual branches extending up to 15 centimetres per year under ideal conditions. However, they are also among the most vulnerable to environmental stress — rising ocean temperatures can trigger mass bleaching events where the coral expels its algae and turns white, and physical damage from anchors, fins, or storms can destroy decades of growth in moments. Protecting Komodo's staghorn coral fields is essential for maintaining the biodiversity that makes the park a world-class diving destination.
This species plays an important role in the marine ecosystem of Komodo National Park. Responsible diving practices help protect these animals and their habitat for future generations.
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Staghorn corals are the foundation of the entire reef ecosystem. Every fish, invertebrate, and marine animal in Komodo depends directly or indirectly on healthy coral. Damaging coral starts a chain reaction that affects the entire food web.
