Etikkahapanta

Etikkahapanta, scientific name Acropora digitifera, is a species of stony coral belonging to the Acroporidae family. It is a common and widespread Indo-Pacific coral, found in shallow reef environments. This coral is characterized by its distinctive finger-like or branching growth forms, which can vary in thickness and length. The color of Etikkahapanta can range from pale brown to greenish or bluish hues, often depending on the symbiotic algae (zooxanthellae) it hosts within its tissues.

Etikkahapanta plays a crucial role in reef ecosystems by providing habitat and shelter for a diverse array of marine organisms. Its skeletal structure contributes to the physical framework of coral reefs, which are vital for biodiversity and coastal protection. Like other reef-building corals, it reproduces sexually, releasing eggs and sperm into the water column during synchronized spawning events. It also reproduces asexually through fragmentation.

The health of Etikkahapanta populations is closely monitored as an indicator of overall reef health. They are susceptible to various environmental stressors, including rising sea temperatures, ocean acidification, pollution, and physical damage from storms or human activities. Conservation efforts often focus on reducing these threats to ensure the long-term survival of this important coral species and the ecosystems it supports.