Rough Cactus Coral
Mycetophyllia ferox
Protection Status
Quick Facts
About the Species
Rough cactus coral is found in the Caribbean, southern Gulf of Mexico, Florida, and the Bahamas. They are typically shades of gray or brown but may also be reddish or green. Rough cactus coral is listed as threatened under the Endangered Species Act.
NOAA Fisheries is committed to conserving and protecting rough cactus coral. Our scientists and partners use a variety of innovative techniques to study, learn more about, and protect this species.
Where They Live
Rough cactus coral can be found in the Caribbean Sea, Southern Gulf of Mexico, and southern Atlantic (southern Florida).
Scientific Classification
Kingdom | Animalia | Phylum | Cnidaria | Class | Anthozoa | Order | Scleractinia | Family | Faviidae | Genus | Mycetophyllia | Species | ferox |
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Management Overview
Rough cactus coral is listed as threatened under the Endangered Species Act.
Regulatory History
The Recovery Outline (PDF, 6 pages) is meant to serve as an interim guidance document to direct recovery efforts, including recovery planning, for pillar coral, rough cactus coral, lobed star coral, mountainous star coral, and boulder star coral.
Species Recovery Contacts
- Jennifer Moore, Southeast Corals Recovery Coordinator
- Alison Moulding, Southeast Corals Recovery Coordinator
Critical Habitat Designation
Once a species is listed under the ESA, NOAA Fisheries evaluates and identifies whether any areas meet the definition of critical habitat. Those areas may be designated as critical habitat through a rule making process. The designation of an area as critical habitat does not create a closed area, marine protected area, refuge, wilderness reserve, preservation, or other conservation area; nor does the designation affect land ownership. Federal agencies that undertake, fund, or permit activities that may affect these designated critical habitat areas are required to consult with NOAA Fisheries to ensure that their actions do not adversely modify or destroy designated critical habitat.
We designated critical habitat for five threatened Caribbean coral species, including the rough cactus coral. Twenty-eight mostly overlapping specific occupied areas containing physical features essential to the conservation of these coral species were designated as critical habitat. These areas contain approximately 16,830 square kilometers (6,500 square miles) of marine habitat.
Key Actions and Documents
Documents
Caribbean Corals 5-Year Review
NOAA Fisheries has published a 5-year review of staghorn coral, elkhorn coral, pillar coral, rough…
5 Caribbean Coral Species Recovery Outline
This document serves as an interim guidance document to direct recovery efforts for pillar coral,…