Potato Patch

About Potato Patch

• Potato Patch  is a continuous meadow-like coral colony of the species Pavona clavus (potato coral).
• Location: The colony is located in the south-eastern waters of Kadmat Island in the Lakshadweep archipelago.
• Formation Process:
  • Continuous Coral Growth: The coral colony formed through centuries of calcium carbonate deposition by coral polyps and is preliminarily estimated to be 700–1,800 years old, although its age is yet to be scientifically confirmed.
  • Adaptation to Wave Action: The colony developed thick calcareous columns on a steep reef slope, which helped it withstand strong wave action, ocean currents, and tropical cyclones over time.
• Features:
  • Depth Range: The coral formation begins on a reef flat at a depth of 5.2 m and extends down a steep slope to about 20 metres.
  • Area: The coral colony covers about 4,250 sq. m and appears to be the largest known living Pavona clavus colony documented so far.
  • Relatively Healthy Condition: Surveys found that 58.47% of the coral tissue remains alive, indicating a relatively healthy state while continuing to support diverse fish assemblages.
  • Scientific and Ecological Value: The colony functions as a natural time capsule for studying coral longevity, reef resilience, climate adaptation, and past ocean conditions, while highlighting Lakshadweep as a possible refuge for long-lived coral colonies.
• Threats: The colony faces risks from repeated tropical cyclones, major El Niño events, prolonged bleaching episodes, and marine heatwaves, which can increase coral mortality and reduce live coral cover.