Dendrogyra cylindrus, the pillar coral (family Merulinidae), is a distinctive scleractinian coral endemic to the Caribbean Sea, forming tall, upright pillars that can reach 2–3 m in height and providing important structural habitat for reef fish and invertebrates. It is listed as Critically Endangered by the IUCN following dramatic population declines due to stony coral tissue loss disease (SCTLD), which spreads rapidly and with near-total lethality. A genome was assembled as part of a multi-species Caribbean coral genomics project, providing resources for disease resistance research. Active restoration efforts are underway in Florida to conserve remaining populations.