The Brazilian Starlet Coral (Siderastrea stellata) is a species of stony coral found in the tropical western Atlantic Ocean. This coral exhibits a distinct star-shaped appearance, earning it its common name. It plays a significant role in the health and biodiversity of coral reefs, contributing to their structural complexity and providing habitat for a variety of marine life.
Description & Characteristics
The Brazilian Starlet Coral is a colonial coral, forming clusters of individual polyps. The polyps are small, measuring up to 1 cm in diameter, and are easily recognizable due to their star-shaped appearance. Each polyp has six to twelve radial ridges, resembling small stars radiating from a central point. Their coloration ranges from brown, yellow, and tan to green. The coral colonies can reach a maximum size of several meters in diameter.
Habitat and Occurrence
The Brazilian Starlet Coral is typically found in shallow waters, ranging from the intertidal zone to depths of approximately 30 meters. It prefers locations with moderate wave action and clear water. This species thrives in a variety of habitats, including coral reefs, rocky shores, and seagrass beds. The Brazilian Starlet Coral is a common inhabitant of the tropical western Atlantic Ocean, with a distribution stretching from Florida, USA, to Brazil. It is particularly prevalent in the Caribbean Sea, where it is a major contributor to the biodiversity of the region.
Taxonomy
The species Siderastrea stellata belongs to the Class: Hexacorallia, Order: Scleractinia, and Family: Rhizangiidae. Hexacorallia is a class within the phylum Cnidaria, characterized by having six or multiples of six tentacles around their mouths. The Order Scleractinia, also known as stony corals, consists of corals that build hard skeletons made of calcium carbonate. Finally, the Family Rhizangiidae, which includes Siderastrea stellata, is a group of stony corals distinguished by their distinctive branching or massive growth forms.
Feeding
The Brazilian Starlet Coral is a heterotrophic organism, obtaining its food through a combination of methods. Primarily, it relies on zooxanthellae, single-celled algae that live symbiotically within its tissues. These algae provide the coral with nutrients through photosynthesis, utilizing sunlight as an energy source. In addition to this symbiotic relationship, Siderastrea stellata also feeds on plankton, tiny organisms that drift in the water column. The coral captures this food through its tentacles, using stinging cells called nematocysts to paralyze and ingest its prey.
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