Angelshark

Squatina squatina

The Angelshark is an ambush predator, relying on camouflage to surprise its prey.

Pig-nosed Turtle

Carettochelys insculpta

The pig-nosed turtle is prehistoric. This turtle diverged from all other species more than 140 million years ago.

Chinese Giant Salamander

Andrias davidianus

The largest amphibian in the world, this salamander can grow to the size of an adult human.

Pillar Coral

Dendrogyra cylindrus

Pillar coral possesses one of the most distinct morphologies of any coral.

Pygmy Three-toed Sloth

Bradypus pygmaeus

The smallest of the all the sloth species, the pygmy sloth was only described in 2001

Philippine Eagle

Pithecophaga jefferyi

The Philippine Eagle is one of the world’s largest, most powerful birds of prey.

TOP EDGE Corals

More about Corals

Mountainous Star Coral

Orbicella faveolata

Subject to a recent name change (previously known as Montastrea faveolata), Orbicella faveolata was distinguished from Orbicella annularis in 1994.

 

Conservation Attention

Low

Lithophyllon ranjithi

Lithophyllon ranjithi

This endangered coral species has a range which is restricted to one small area off the coast of north-eastern Borneo where it is easily misidentified as a closely related species, Lithophyllon undulatum.

Conservation Attention

Very Low

Lithophyllon ranjithi Lithophyllon ranjithi

Pillar Coral

Dendrogyra cylindrus

Commonly known as Pillar Coral, colonies of this species are found in flat, sheltered locations ranging from the southern tip of Florida down to the coast of Venezuela.

Conservation Attention

Very Low

Dendrogrya cylindrus Dendrogrya cylindrus

Pearl Bubble Coral

Physogyra lichtensteini

Commonly known as the Pearl Bubble Coral, Physogyra lichtensteini is distinct due to its fleshy vesicles which are on display throughout the day providing refuge for several marine invertebrates including shrimp.

Conservation Attention

Very Low

Pearl Bubble Coral, Physogyra lichtensteini Philippines Pearl Bubble Coral, Physogyra lichtensteini Philippines

Elephant Skin Coral

Pachyseris rugosa

Commonly named as the Elephant Skin Coral due to its wrinkly appearance, Pachyseris rugosa is a fairly common species on tropical reef systems within its range.

Conservation Attention

Very Low

Heliofungia actiniformis

Heliofungia actiniformis

Unlike many Scleractinian corals, adult polyps of Heliofungia are solitary and free living.

Conservation Attention

Medium

Fungi or Mushroom coral (Heliofungia actiniformis) resembles Sea anemone but is a solitary hard coral ot atached to the substrate, Papua New Guinea Fungi or Mushroom coral (Heliofungia actiniformis) resembles Sea anemone but is a solitary hard coral ot atached to the substrate, Papua New Guinea

Ctenella chagius

Ctenella chagius

Ctenella chagius (Chagos brain coral) may be the world’s most endangered coral lineage. A monotypic genus, it is a member of the Euphylliidae family and is found exclusively in the Chagos Archipelago Strict No-Take Marine Protected Area in the Central Indian Ocean. Its habitat has been historically protected from direct anthropogenic impacts such as overfishing and other destructive activities; however, reefs within the region have been subject to recent mass bleaching events with high subsequent mortality and loss of habitat. A relict population scattered widely throughout the Archipelago continues to survive.

Conservation Attention

Good