About
Unlike other EDGE Coral species, C.caespitosa is relatively well documented as it is widespread throughout the Mediterranean Sea and can be locally abundant.
It is known to have an estimated generation length of 30 years, however, severe population declines of up to 80% in just 9 years have been reported from the Columbretes Islands, off the east coast of Spain. Continuous monitoring of this species is highly recommended by IUCN.
It is known by several common names including Busy Coral, Mediterranean Pillow Cora and Thin Tube Coral.
- Order: Scleractinia
- Family: Faviidae
- Trend: decreasing
- Depth Range (m): 5 - 40m
EDGE Score
Distribution
Cladocora caespitosa can be considered as part of the recent fossil history of the Mediterranean Sea. Since the Pliocene C. caespitosa has been the only species that develops monospecific reef-like structures in the Mediterranean Basin.
Habitat and Ecology
This species can occur on a wide range of substratum, down to a maximum depth of 40m.
In Cyprus, the species occurs in the first meters of depth (1-5 m), whilst in several western Mediterranean locations, such as Medes Islands and Cap de Creus, the species is commonly found below 20m depth in dim light conditions. It is known in a variety of habitats but hydrodynamic protection and strong currents seem to enhance population growth.
