Branching Corals

Branching corals are exactly as their name suggests – their bodies consist of many branches which then divide further, forming a tree-like or bush-like shape! Other branching corals have a flat top of branches or finger-like knobs which all grow to a similar height, making them look more like a table or a really large scrubbing brush!

Branching corals tend to grow more quickly than other types of corals so that they can outcompete other coral species and take over the best spots on the reef. Due to their many branches, branching corals are great at providing homes and shelter for lots of animals living in the coral reef!

Unfortunately, compared to other types of corals, branching corals are also the most vulnerable to undesirable environmental conditions such as warmer waters, pollution and coastal reclamation. That’s why Singapore’s branching corals have sadly declined since the 1960s, which is bad news for our coral reefs and the amazing creatures that live there. Thus, as part of the 100k Corals Initiative, Singapore’s National Parks Board (NParks) commonly plants branching corals such as those from the genus Acropora, all in a bid to restore our coral reefs!