The smaller growth range in the Pacific might be because of crown-of-thorns starfish (Acanthaster planci) infestations. The crown-of-thorns starfish feeds on coral tissue by turning its stomach inside-out and spreading it on the corals – this theory will not easily proved, however, because of the Pacific coral is also more prone to mechanical erosion. For these reasons, it is difficult to predict stability in reefs concerning changes in the environment or the sensitivity of reef food to changes in species populations.
Currently, a location of great concern for corals takes place in Central America.