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Acanthastrea bowerbanki is a vulnerable species of coral which is very impressive indeed, and is found in the Pacific and Indian Ocean. It is particularly at risk of crown-of-thorns starfish predation, and widespread reduction of coral reef habitat due to a group of threats. This species feeds on a wide range of coral variety and is a ravenous predator, having been identified to wipe out large areas of coral reefs. Outbursts of the starfish may happen frequently and, owing to the slow growth rate of coral, reefs may take decades to recuperate from such attacks.
Adverse climate conditions and human interference has also been found responsible towards the extinction of this coral species. Pollution and impacts of fisheries and tourism also contribute towards the hazard they are facing. Increasing of temperature results in coral bleaching and the symbiotic zooxanthellae are lost in the process. This amazing species of coral is rare and is at threat of extinction; be it from human factors of natural reasons. Acanthastrea bowerbanki is listed on Appendix II of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES).
It is found in waters of Australia; Cambodia; Fiji; Indonesia; Japan; Kiribati; Malaysia; Marshall Islands; Micronesia, Federated States of; Nauru; New Caledonia; Norfolk Island; Palau; Papua New Guinea; Philippines; Singapore; Solomon Islands; Taiwan, Province of China; Thailand; Tuvalu; Vanuatu; Viet Nam; Wallis and Futuna. The species could be found to depths of approximately 20 meters
The bowerbanki species are found in lower reef slopes protected from wave action. Its colonies are generally pale grey or brown and speckled in outward look. They have many coral polyps that are mostly anemone like and secrete a hard coral skeleton, known as corallite. Each of these polyps has multiple tentacles that usually extend at night and are helpful in catching zooplankton. The overall structure of the polyps and tentacles give the coral a furry appearance on the surface making it look distinct and impressive for aquariums.
Colonies of this coral are encrusting and usually very small. Corallites are cerioid, with asymmetrical angular shapes. A central corallite is usually noticeable. Septa are compact and columellae are small. Colonies are not fleshy.
They have symbiotic relation with the single celled zooxanthellae which live within the coral tissues providing them with food and nutrition. Since they depend on sunlight for most part of their nutritional values, they are restricted to living in shallow and clear water. These corals reproduce both sexually and asexually. The asexual process of reproduction is called budding in which each polyp divide to form multiple polyps. For sexual reproduction, these species of corals are hermaphroditic – polyp produces both eggs and sperm, which are released into the water for external fertilization. The age of first maturity for most reef-building corals is more or less three to eight years.
