1. Brain Coral (Diploria labyrinthiformis)
This coral species is found in shallow waters of the Atlantic Ocean, Caribbean Sea, and Gulf of Mexico, typically between 0-100 feet below sea level. Its unique appearance features a brain-like shape with branching polyps. The Brain Coral is listed as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List due to habitat destruction and overcollection for the aquarium trade. In ancient Mesoamerican cultures, the coral was used in ceremonial offerings and rituals.
2. Elkhorn Coral (Acropora cervicornis)
This coral species is native to the tropical waters of the Atlantic Ocean, Caribbean Sea, and Gulf of Mexico, typically growing in shallow waters between 10-100 feet below sea level. Its distinctive appearance features long, branching polyps resembling an elk's horn. Elkhorn Coral is listed as Critically Endangered on the IUCN Red List due to widespread habitat loss and climate change. The coral has been featured in several documentaries highlighting its importance for marine ecosystems.
3. Star Coral (Montastraea faveolata)
This coral species is found in shallow waters of the Atlantic Ocean, Caribbean Sea, and Gulf of Mexico, typically between 0-100 feet below sea level. Its unique appearance features a star-shaped skeleton with radiating spines. The Star Coral is listed as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List due to overcollection for the aquarium trade and habitat destruction. In historical times, the coral was used in traditional medicine.
4. Staghorn Coral (Acropora cytherea)
This coral species is native to the tropical waters of the Atlantic Ocean, Caribbean Sea, and Gulf of Mexico, typically growing in shallow waters between 10-100 feet below sea level. Its distinctive appearance features branching polyps resembling a deer's antlers. Staghorn Coral is listed as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List due to habitat loss and climate change. The coral has been used in traditional medicine for its supposed health benefits.
5. Fan Coral (Gorgonia ventalina)
This coral species is found in shallow waters of the Atlantic Ocean, Caribbean Sea, and Gulf of Mexico, typically between 0-100 feet below sea level. Its unique appearance features feathery, fan-shaped polyps with long stalks. The Fan Coral is listed as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List due to overcollection for the aquarium trade and habitat destruction. In some cultures, the coral is used in traditional rituals.
6. Mushroom Coral (Letharia cordiculata)
This coral species is native to the tropical waters of the Atlantic Ocean, Caribbean Sea, and Gulf of Mexico, typically growing in shallow waters between 10-100 feet below sea level. Its distinctive appearance features rounded, mushroom-shaped polyps with short stalks. The Mushroom Coral is listed as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List due to overcollection for the aquarium trade and habitat destruction. In some cultures, the coral is used for spiritual purposes.
7. Sea Fans (Gorgonia sp.)
This coral species consists of a group of different fan-shaped corals found in shallow waters of the Atlantic Ocean, Caribbean Sea, and Gulf of Mexico, typically between 0-100 feet below sea level. Its unique appearance features feathery, flat polyps with long stalks. The Sea Fans are listed as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List due to overcollection for the aquarium trade and habitat destruction.
8. Table Coral (Plesiomyces asper)
This coral species is native to the tropical waters of the Atlantic Ocean, Caribbean Sea, and Gulf of Mexico, typically growing in shallow waters between 10-100 feet below sea level. Its distinctive appearance features a flat, table-like shape with short stalks. The Table Coral is listed as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List due to overcollection for the aquarium trade and habitat destruction.
9. Leather Coral (Sarcophyton sp.)
This coral species consists of a group of different types of corals found in shallow waters of the Atlantic Ocean, Caribbean Sea, and Gulf of Mexico, typically between 0-100 feet below sea level. Its unique appearance features flat, leathery polyps with long stalks. The Leather Coral is listed as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List due to overcollection for the aquarium trade and habitat destruction.
10. Millepore Coral (Leiopathes glaberrima)
This coral species is native to the tropical waters of the Atlantic Ocean, Caribbean Sea, and Gulf of Mexico, typically growing in shallow waters between 10-100 feet below sea level. Its distinctive appearance features a complex, reticulated skeleton with narrow pore-like spaces. The Millepore Coral is listed as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List due to habitat destruction and climate change.