What Divers Should Know About Table Coral

As divers explore vibrant reef ecosystems, they frequently encounter species within the Acropora genus, commonly known as table, elkhorn, or staghorn corals. These small polyp stony corals are major architects of the reef's calcium carbonate structure, crucial for building the immense substructure that supports diverse marine life. Each colony consists of countless individual polyps, roughly 2 mm across, which share tissue and a nerve net. Depending on the species and location, these corals can form expansive plates or intricate, branching structures that often exceed a meter in width.

Divers will find Acropora species widely distributed across the Indo-Pacific, with a smaller presence in the Caribbean. While most colonies display shades of brown or green, some rare species present vibrant colors. During the day, polyps typically remain slightly recessed, but will quickly withdraw completely in response to any movement or disturbance. For a different perspective, night dives reveal their polyps extended further, actively filtering plankton and organic matter from the water column.