Acropora pharaonis, commonly known as Acropora Pharaonis, is a species of stony coral found in the Indo-Pacific region. This coral is characterized by its distinctive morphology and plays an important role in the reef ecosystem.
Description & Characteristics
Acropora pharaonis is a branching coral with a robust, thick-walled structure. Its branches are typically short and stout, often forming a dense, compact colony. The coral’s color can vary depending on the environment and the presence of symbiotic algae, ranging from brown and gray to shades of green, purple, and even yellow. The corallites, or individual coral polyps, are small and densely packed on the branches.
Habitat and Occurrence
Acropora pharaonis thrives in the subtidal, sublittoral, and infralittoral zones of the oceans. This means it can be found in depths ranging from the lower limit of the intertidal zone down to the shelf edge, which is typically around 200 meters. These zones are collectively referred to as the neritic zone, encompassing the waters above the continental shelf. Acropora pharaonis is a common sight in these marine environments, contributing significantly to the diversity and structure of coral reefs.
Taxonomy
Acropora pharaonis is classified within the animal kingdom, belonging to the phylum Cnidaria. It is part of the Class: Hexacorallia, Order: Scleractinia, and Family: Acroporidae. This classification places Acropora pharaonis within a group of corals known for their hard, calcium carbonate skeletons and their diverse forms and colors.
Feeding
Acropora pharaonis feeds primarily through a combination of three methods: dustfood, plankton, and zooxanthellae.
Dustfood, consisting of organic particles suspended in the water, is captured by the coral polyps. The coral also captures plankton, microscopic organisms drifting in the water column. However, the most significant source of nutrition comes from zooxanthellae, symbiotic algae that live within the coral’s tissues. These algae photosynthesize, providing the coral with energy in the form of sugars and other organic compounds.
The symbiotic relationship between Acropora pharaonis and zooxanthellae is crucial for the coral’s survival. Light is essential for the algae’s photosynthesis, so Acropora pharaonis typically grows in clear, shallow waters where sunlight can penetrate. This dependence on light and its symbiotic relationship with zooxanthellae play a significant role in determining the distribution and abundance of Acropora pharaonis within its habitat.
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