Elkhorn Coral, Acropora palmata Golden brown colonies of elkhorn thrive in the harshest of habitats: the turbulent breaker zone of the upper reef crest. Stout, brittle branches (which look more like moose antlers than those of elk) take the brunt of the wave action, streaming backward like wind-battered pines on seaside cliffs. Since 1980, populations have been greatly reduced as a result of coral diseases and other problems.
