How Do Elkhorn Build Corals

The Elkhorn Coral is considered to be the best and they’re the most important reef-building corals. They are also very blessed at reef building in the Caribbean sea. They have very large branches and the coral structure of the elkhorn which resembles elk antlers. Elkhorns create habitats for for sea animals like Lobsters, parrotfish,snapper shrimps and other reef fish. The colonies of elkhorns are said to be very fast growing and their average growth rate is 5 to 10 cm per year and can eventually grow up to 3.7m in diameter. The elkhorn lives in the Caribbean and they are corals of course. Their diet is organic byproducts of photosynthesis.They may eat live animals or live prey, like fish, and zooplankton. The elkhorn reproduces asexualy and their life span is unknown and they are very hard to find now days that they are typically gone they are only a threats are white band disease, hurricanes, bleaching and all sorts of things they could be endangered from. Their status is threatened throughout its range. Their importance to living is that they are considered to be the most important reef building corals in the

They are one of the most abundant species in waters ranging from 1 to 5 m (3.3 to 16.4 ft) deep, and a few colonies have been reported from waters as deep as 20 m (66 ft). “(elkhorn Coral Wikipedia). “Elkhorn coral was once one of the most abundant species of coral in the Caribbean and the Florida Keys. Since 1980, an estimated 90-95% of elkhorn coral has been lost. Threats include disease, coral bleaching , predation, climate change, storm damage, and human activity. All of these factors have created a synergistic effect that greatly diminishes the survival and reproductive success of elkhorn coral. Natural recovery of coral is a slow process, and may never occur with this species because so many factors inhibit its