Coral growth is moderately abundant at the ICON station, though the site has experienced bleaching and Acanthaster planci outbreaks in the past. Shallow coral communities, featuring some of the fastest growing corals are again luxuriant, despite the continued presence of several coral predators.
Predators include the spiny Acanthaster, a sea star known for devastating outbreaks that can nearly denude a reef of corals, the aptly named pillow star (Culcita novaguinea), and coralliophilid snails of the genus Drupella.
Acanthaster planci (above)
Culcita novaguinea (above)
Drupella sp.