Coral ID Breakthrough: New Acropora Species Identified in East Asia

A recent study has redefined the classification of Acropora corals in East Asia, identifying distinct species within what was previously considered a single group. Researchers employed multi-locus phylogenetic analyses and morphometric measurements to differentiate Acropora aff. divaricata and Acropora cf. solitaryensis. The study revealed that A. aff. divaricata, with its arborescent and intermediate morphotypes, thrives from southeastern Taiwan to Shikoku, Japan. Conversely, A. cf. solitaryensis, characterized by its solid-plate morphotype, is primarily found in subtropical non-reefal regions of northern Taiwan and Japan. These findings highlight the impact of the Kuroshio Current on coral distributions and challenge existing taxonomy, suggesting that these species may encompass multiple distinct lineages. Accurate species identification is crucial for effective coral conservation in the face of climate change.