Regulated Corals & Marine Species

Scleractinia spp.

The order Scleractinia (reef-building, or stony, corals) is listed in its entirety on CITES Appendix II. Corals that build a skeleton — Acropora, Montipora, Euphyllia, Goniopora, Lobophyllia, Fungiidae and the like — are essentially all covered. International trade (export and import) requires permits and procedures.

Acropora spp.

Acropora belongs to the order Scleractinia and is therefore covered by Appendix II. Import generally requires a CITES permit from the exporting country. Domestic trade in frags propagated within Japan generally falls outside these rules.

Euphyllia spp.

Euphyllia (hammer, torch and similar corals) belongs to the order Scleractinia and is therefore covered by Appendix II. Even popular species require a permit for international trade. Check the current listing and permit status under the scientific name of the species you handle.

Goniopora spp.

Goniopora belongs to the order Scleractinia and is therefore covered by Appendix II. Even colour morphs generally require a permit from the exporting country for international trade.

Fungiidae

The family Fungiidae (plate corals) belongs to the order Scleractinia and is therefore covered by Appendix II. Heliofungia, which resembles a sea anemone, is also covered because it is a stony coral with a skeleton.

Tubipora musica

Organ pipe coral is a soft coral relative, but its red tubular skeleton means it is listed on CITES Appendix II. Most soft corals are not covered; this species is an exception.

Heliopora coerulea

Blue coral is an octocoral, but its blue skeleton means it is listed on CITES Appendix II. It is treated as covered in the same way as reef-building corals.

Millepora spp.

Millepora (fire corals) are hydrozoans, but their calcareous skeleton means they are listed on CITES Appendix II. They are also known for their potent stinging cells.

Tridacnidae (Tridacna, Hippopus)

The family Tridacnidae (Tridacna and Hippopus) are bivalves rather than corals, but they are listed in their entirety on CITES Appendix II. Import generally requires a permit from the exporting country. Confirming provenance is recommended even for individuals farmed within Japan.