common lettuce coral

<em>Pectinia lactuca</em>, the common lettuce coral, is a large-polyp stony coral in the family Pectiniidae. Its distinctive flattened, folded growth form resembles the leaves of lettuce, giving rise to its common name. This reef-building species is found primarily in Asian ecosystems, with documented presence in Taiwanese waters. It typically inhabits shallow to moderately deep tropical coral reef environments, where it contributes to reef structure and biodiversity. The common lettuce coral is classified as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List, reflecting ongoing population declines linked to coral bleaching, ocean acidification, and habitat degradation across the Indo-Pacific region. As a photosynthetic coral, it relies on symbiotic zooxanthellae algae for much of its energy, making it particularly sensitive to rising sea temperatures. Its broad, plate-like morphology maximizes light capture in reef environments. Conservation efforts for this and related coral species increasingly focus on marine protected areas and reef restoration initiatives throughout its Asian range.