Acropora kimbeensis

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Acropora kimbeensis is a vulnerable species of coral described by Dr. Carden Wallace in 1999. It lives in tropical, shallow reefs, usually from 3 to 12 meters deep, but can be found down to 15 meters.

Description and habitat
It forms compact, bush-like colonies. The coral can be yellow, blue, or cream. Its branches point upward and can grow up to about 8 centimeters long; the branchlets have small axial corallites, with radial corallites along the sides. It looks similar to Acropora cerealis and Acropora subulata. It is found in lagoons, patch reefs, reef fronts, and reef flats.

Distribution
Acropora kimbeensis occurs across a wide area of the Indo-Pacific, including parts of the East China Sea, the western and central Pacific, Eastern Australia, Southeast Asia, Papua New Guinea, Micronesia, and Pohnpei. It is uncommon, and there are only a few known sites in places like Indonesia and the Marshall Islands.

Population and threats
There is limited population data, but the species is believed to be declining. In 2005, about 1,282 live corals were exported for the aquarium trade. It faces threats from coral bleaching due to warmer oceans, disease, climate change, pollution, coastal development, fishing, and collection.

Conservation status
Acropora kimbeensis is listed as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List and is included in CITES Appendix II. It may occur in Marine Protected Areas, which can help protect it.