Purple-tipped Coral (Acropora digitifera)
Technical Data
| Stamp Set | Corals of India |
|---|---|
| Date of Issue | July 22, 2001 |
| Denomination | Rs. 4 |
| Quantity | 3,000,000 |
| Perforation | comb 13 |
| Printer | Calcutta Security Printers Ltd |
| Watermark | No Watermark |
| Colors | Multicolor |
| Catalog Codes |
Michel IN 1842 Stamp Number IN 1901 Yvert et Tellier IN 1608 Stanley Gibbons IN 2009 |
| Themes | Animals (Fauna) | Corals and Sponges | Sea Life |
Table of Contents
Purple-tipped Coral
The Purple-tipped Coral (Acropora digitifera) is a species of stony coral found primarily in the Indo-Pacific region. It is part of the Acroporidae family and is widely recognized for its distinctive branching structure and vibrant purple tips, which give it its common name.
Key Characteristics of Acropora digitifera:
- Growth Form: This coral typically grows in a digitate form, meaning its branches resemble fingers or spikes extending from a central base. These branches can form dense thickets, contributing to the structural complexity of coral reefs.
- Color: While the base of the coral is generally pale or creamy in color, the tips of the branches are purple, which gives the coral its striking appearance.
- Symbiosis with Zooxanthellae: Like many reef-building corals, Acropora digitifera harbors zooxanthellae, symbiotic algae that live within the coral’s tissues. These algae provide the coral with energy through photosynthesis and are responsible for its color.
Habitat and Distribution:
- Acropora digitifera thrives in shallow reef environments and is often found in waters between 1 to 30 meters deep.
- Its distribution spans the Indo-Pacific region, including areas like the Great Barrier Reef, Indian Ocean, and Southeast Asia. It is also present in Indian coral reefs, particularly in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Lakshadweep, and the Gulf of Mannar.
Ecological Importance:
- Reef Building: As a significant reef-building coral, Acropora digitifera plays a crucial role in maintaining the physical structure of coral reefs, providing habitat for numerous marine species.
- Biodiversity Support: The branching structure of this coral provides shelter for various marine organisms, including small fish, invertebrates, and other coral species.
Conservation Status:
- Acropora digitifera, like many coral species, faces threats from climate change, ocean acidification, coral bleaching, and human activities such as pollution and overfishing. Coral bleaching, in particular, is a significant threat, as it causes the coral to lose its symbiotic algae, leading to a loss of color and vitality.
Efforts to conserve coral species like Purple-tipped Coral are essential to preserving the biodiversity and ecological integrity of coral reef ecosystems.