The Blushing Star Coral. Thorn Coral, scientifically known as Stylocoeniella armata, is a captivating coral species characterized by its distinctive appearance and ecological significance. Its intricate structure and vibrant colors contribute to the beauty of coral reefs, while its role in the marine ecosystem underscores its importance.
Description & Characteristics
Stylocoeniella armata is a colonial coral, meaning it forms colonies composed of numerous individual polyps. Each polyp possesses a central mouth surrounded by tentacles, which aid in feeding. The coral’s skeleton, known as the corallum, is made up of calcium carbonate and exhibits a distinctive star-shaped pattern, giving rise to its common name. The colony’s surface is covered in small, pointed spines, earning it the moniker “Thorn Coral.”
The coloration of Stylocoeniella armata varies, with hues ranging from pale pink to reddish-brown. This chromatic diversity enhances the visual appeal of the coral reefs it inhabits. The size of individual colonies can vary considerably, with some reaching up to a few centimeters in diameter.
Habitat and Occurrence
Stylocoeniella armata thrives in a wide range of marine environments, occupying subtidal, sublittoral, infralittoral, and deep zones of the oceans. Its distribution extends from the lower limit of the intertidal zone to the shelf edge at approximately 200 meters water depth, classifying it as a neritic species. These depths provide the ideal conditions for this coral’s growth and survival, making it a prevalent presence in these aquatic ecosystems.
Taxonomy
Stylocoeniella armata belongs to the Class: Hexacorallia, Order: Scleractinia, and Family: Astrocoeniidae. This classification reflects the coral’s evolutionary history and its relationships with other marine invertebrates.
Feeding
Stylocoeniella armata employs a combination of feeding strategies to obtain sustenance. It captures plankton, microscopic organisms that drift in the water column, using its tentacles. Additionally, the coral harbors symbiotic algae known as zooxanthellae within its tissues. These algae photosynthesize, producing energy that is transferred to the coral. This symbiotic relationship is crucial for the coral’s survival, particularly in environments with limited food availability.
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