Conservation & Threats

Tubipora musica is considered to be a near threatened species by the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Although this is considered to be a common species in the Western Pacific, there has already been registered population declines. There are quite a few threats that can be causing decline on the populations of this particular species. It is not known how coral bleaching affects the Organ-pipe coral, since it is not that simple to detected because of the already light color of the polyps. But because of its bright color and beautiful flower-looking polyps they became an easy target for harvesting for economic purposes, such as ornamenting for aquariums and jewellery.  

Climate change is another threat for this species, since it increases the changes for the coral do bleach and its susceptibility to diseases. Increase of water temperature and acidity are two of the major concerns. Other threats for the Organ pipe coral populations includes human impacts (such as industries, fisheries, transportation, agriculture, pollution and tourism), invasive species, competition in a disturbed environment and parasites for instance.


For a good conservation planning for this species, further research regarding what could really affect the population structure and its trends are required. Protected areas could protect this species from human related damages.