Staghorn Coral

Superpower

One of the fastest-growing corals, building branching forests that shelter whole reefs.

At a glance

Size

typically 50 cm, up to 200 cm

Depth

1–25 m

Habitat

Shallow reefs and lagoons with clear, moving water.

Diet

Mostly fed by symbiotic algae; also catches plankton.

Can I eat it?

No — this one is not eaten.

Safety

• Venomous1/10

  Mild sting, harmless to people.

Fun facts

• •Staghorn is among the fastest-growing of all corals.
• •Its antler-like branches give young fish a place to hide.
• •Whole reefs can rebuild from broken, re-rooted fragments.