Meandrina meandrites

Taxonomy

• Kingdom: Animalia
• Phylum: Cnidaria
• Class: Anthozoa
• Order: Scleractinia
• Family: Meandrinidae
• Genus: Meandrina
• Species: M. meandrites

Synonyms

• Madrepora meandrites Linnaeus, 1758 (original combination)

Description
Meandrina meandrites is a massive, reef‑building stony coral characterized by a brain‑like appearance. Colonies are typically dome‑shaped or flattened, reaching diameters of up to 1 m or more. The skeletal surface displays a network of deep, meandering valleys separated by prominent, rounded ridges (costae). Polyps are nocturnally expanded, extending tentacles for feeding. The coral’s coloration varies among colonies, commonly appearing in shades of brown, green, or yellow, often with contrasting polyp oral disc colors.

Distribution and Habitat

• Geographic range: Western Atlantic Ocean, including the Caribbean Sea, Gulf of Mexico, and the coasts of Florida, the Bahamas, and parts of Central and South America.
• Depth range: Generally found in shallow reef environments from 5 m to 30 m, though occurrences have been recorded at greater depths on some Caribbean reefs.
• Habitat preferences: Occupies well‑lit, water‑column‑stable reef flats and slopes, often contributing to the structural framework of coral reefs. It tends to favor areas with moderate water flow and clear water conditions.

Ecology

• M. meandrites is a hermatypic (reef‑building) coral, depositing calcium carbonate skeletons that contribute to reef accretion.
• It hosts symbiotic zooxanthellae (family Symbiodiniaceae), which provide a substantial portion of its metabolic energy through photosynthesis.
• The species serves as habitat for various reef organisms, including fish, invertebrates, and other coral-associated fauna.

Reproduction

• Like many scleractinian corals, it reproduces both sexually (broadcast spawning of gametes) and asexually (fragmentation and budding). Specific spawning periods have been documented in the Caribbean during late summer and early fall, coinciding with lunar cycles, though precise timing can vary regionally.

Conservation Status
The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) has not assessed Meandrina meandrites separately; therefore, its global conservation status is currently listed as “Not Evaluated.” Regional threats include:

• Climate‑induced coral bleaching due to elevated sea‑surface temperatures.
• Ocean acidification affecting calcification rates.
• Physical damage from coastal development, anchor drops, and tourism activities.
• Outbreaks of coral diseases, such as white plague and black band disease.

Human Use and Significance
While not a primary target for the coral trade, M. meandrites contributes to biodiversity and ecosystem services provided by healthy reef systems, including shoreline protection, fishery support, and tourism value.

Research and Monitoring
The species is frequently used as an indicator in reef health assessments due to its prominence in many Caribbean reef habitats and its susceptibility to environmental stressors. Long‑term monitoring programs often record changes in its cover and health as part of broader reef surveys.