Florida Aquarium successfully reproduces cactus coral

Last week, the Florida Aquarium reached a breakthrough in their efforts to save Florida’s coral reefs. Researchers at the aquarium witnessed cactus coral producing offspring, the first time this has occurred in a lab nationwide.

“You are witnessing a ridged cactus coral larvae that may one day save our Florida Reef Tract,” wrote Florida Aquarium officials in a Facebook post. “Until now, the larval release time of this coral had never been recorded. The Florida Aquarium is proud to make history once again, becoming the first in the world to reproduce this coral in human care.”

This news is certainly encouraging to researchers and conservationists. If you would like to aid The Florida Aquarium in their efforts, you can donate here.

These adult corals were rescued as part of the The Association of Zoos and Aquariums Florida Reef Tract Rescue Project. The Florida Aquarium wanted to extend a thank you to their partners: MyFWC Florida Fish and Wildlife, NOAA Fisheries Service, NOAA Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary.