The Boulder Horn Coral, scientifically known as Hydnophora exesa, is a captivating coral species with a distinctive and robust appearance. This species is commonly found in a range of marine environments, adding to the rich tapestry of underwater life.
Description & Characteristics
Hydnophora exesa stands out with its characteristic knobby and massive growth form, resembling a boulder. Its surface is adorned with numerous horn-shaped projections, giving rise to its common name. The coral’s color can vary, ranging from shades of brown and gray to green and even yellow, depending on its location and the specific environment it occupies.
Habitat and Occurrence
Hydnophora exesa exhibits a preference for subtidal, sublittoral, infralittoral, and deep zones of the oceans, often thriving from the lower limits of the intertidal zone to the shelf edge at approximately 200 m water depth. This species can be found in the neritic zone, a marine environment that stretches from the shoreline to the edge of the continental shelf. These habitats provide the ideal conditions for Hydnophora exesa to flourish, contributing to the vibrant biodiversity of these ecosystems.
Taxonomy
Hydnophora exesa belongs to the Class: Hexacorallia, Order: Scleractinia, and Family: Merulinidae. This classification places it within a diverse group of corals that share common characteristics, including the possession of six-sided tentacles and a hard, calcium carbonate skeleton.
Feeding
Hydnophora exesa, like many other coral species, relies on a dual feeding strategy. It captures plankton, small organisms drifting in the water, using its tentacles. However, it also harbors zooxanthellae, microscopic algae that live within its tissues. These algae perform photosynthesis, producing nutrients that the coral can utilize. This symbiotic relationship between Hydnophora exesa and zooxanthellae is crucial for its survival and growth, making light an essential factor in its existence.
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