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Creature Profile
The Blue Coral (Heliopora coerulea) is a unique and stunning species of coral found in tropical and subtropical waters, particularly in the Indo-Pacific region. It has a distinctive blue coloration due to the presence of a protein called coelenterazine, which gives the coral its bioluminescent properties. The Blue Coral has a branching growth form, with a delicate and intricate structure made up of calcium carbonate.
This species is typically found in shallow waters, particularly in protected bays and lagoons with moderate to low water flow. It is a slow-growing species and reproduces through sexual reproduction, with colonies releasing eggs and sperm into the water column. The fertilized eggs develop into free-swimming larvae that settle on a suitable substrate and begin to grow into new colonies.
The Blue Coral is considered a threatened species, primarily due to the impacts of climate change and ocean acidification on coral reefs. Other threats include overfishing, destructive fishing practices, and coastal development. Conservation efforts for the species include the establishment of marine protected areas, the regulation of fishing practices, and research into the impacts of climate change on coral reefs. Additionally, efforts are being made to improve the sustainability of the aquarium trade, which is a major source of demand for Blue Coral and other coral species
Wikipedia Article
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Wikipedia Article Copyright Notice: This article is licensed under the GNU Free Documentation License. It uses material from the Wikipedia article "Blue coral". |
September 25, 2025
Mugo, C. R. 2025. "Earth's Endangered Creatures - Blue Coral Facts" (Online). Accessed 11/13/2025 at https://earthsendangered.com/profile.asp?sp=14693&ID=8.
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