Richness and characteristic distribution of the branching coral genus (acropora) in spratly archipelago (Viet Nam)

Due to located in the middle of East Sea where natural and environmental conditions are suitable for the development of coral reefs so that they are very rich and diverse, of which the most abundant is branching coral genus Acropora. They are rapid grow species and always dominate in terms of species number and cover on the reef and also they are very important role and ecological significance on the reef ecosystem. They are more common in gently slopes and less in steepy slopes, they also found in steps at the depth of over 20m. Of the six species of the genus Acropora corals recorded in Vietnam Red Book are quite common in the islands. Currently the adverse impact from the destroy exploitation, crown of thorn starfish, construction of habours and docks are strongly influenced genus Acropora in particular and the corals in general.