Staghorn coral in shallow ocean

Staghorn coral—pictured here—is a branching, stony coral that plays a vital role in shaping marine ecosystems. It can be easily recognised by its thick, upright branches that can grow more than 2 metres tall. These strong, round branches look a lot like a stag's antlers, which is why it's called Staghorn coral. Scientifically named Acropora cervicornis, it is among the fastest-growing corals on Earth—serving as a central hub of biodiversity in the Western Atlantic.
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