All the way from Malaysia comes a report of a giant micro-atoll. These are circular coral colonies that are dead on top but continue to grow around the perimeter. This typically occurs when a coral colony begins growing in relatively shallow water. Upon reaching the surface, the upper part dies, and growth continues on the sides. This can also happen due to sediment accumulating on the top, progressively smothering it.
This particular ๐๐ฐ๐ณ๐ช๐ต๐ฆ๐ด sp. from Malaysia was photographed and measured by theย @indonesiabirufoundationย , one of our supporters, in June 2024. The coral shows signs of bleaching and is situated at a depth of only 6 meters. The colony measures roughly 6 meters in diameter and 18 meters in circumference.
