Table Coral
Acropora hyacinthus · a-KROP-or-a hy-a-SIN-thus
Near Threatened
FriendlyVenomous
Superpower
Spreads a wide flat table to grab the most sunlight on a crowded reef.
At a glance
- Size
- typically 50 cm, up to 200 cm
- Depth
- 1–20 m
Habitat
Upper reef slopes with good light and current.
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
- It grows outward into a broad flat 'table' to catch sunlight.
- Fish shelter in the shade beneath the table.
- Tables can grow over a metre wide.