millepore

Millepore is a genus of corals belonging to the family Acroporidae. These corals are characterized by their branching, antler-like structures, which can be quite extensive and form large reefs. The name "Millepore" itself is derived from Latin, meaning "a thousand pores," referring to the numerous small openings on the coral's surface where individual polyps reside.

These corals are found in tropical and subtropical waters worldwide, particularly in the Indo-Pacific region. They are important reef-building organisms, contributing significantly to the structure and biodiversity of coral reef ecosystems. Millepore corals are photosynthetic, relying on symbiotic algae called zooxanthellae that live within their tissues for a significant portion of their energy.

Millepore corals are colonial animals, with each coral colony composed of many genetically identical individuals called polyps. These polyps secrete calcium carbonate to form their hard skeletons. They play a crucial role in the marine food web and provide habitat for a vast array of other marine life. Like many coral species, millepore corals are susceptible to environmental changes such as rising sea temperatures and ocean acidification, which can lead to coral bleaching and disease. Their ecological significance makes their conservation a priority for marine biologists and environmentalists.