Coscinaraea monile is a species of colonial stony coral found in the Indo-Pacific region. It is commonly known as the “chain coral” due to its unique growth form.
Description & Characteristics
Coscinaraea monile colonies exhibit a distinctive chain-like structure. They are typically composed of interconnected, rounded or elongated corallites, which resemble beads or links in a chain. The color of these corals can vary, with shades of brown, gray, yellow, and green being common. The maximum size of a Coscinaraea monile colony can reach up to 1 meter in diameter, though they are often smaller.
Habitat and Occurrence
Coscinaraea monile thrives in shallow, tropical waters of the Indo-Pacific region, particularly in the areas with high levels of light penetration. They are typically found in coral reefs, lagoons, and seaward slopes. The species can tolerate a wide range of environmental conditions, including fluctuating temperatures and moderate wave action. They are commonly found in the reef flat, reef slope, and lagoon zones, typically occurring in depths ranging from 1 to 30 meters.
Taxonomy
The species Coscinaraea monile belongs to the family Coscinaraeidae, which is part of the order Scleractinia. This order encompasses the hard corals, which are characterized by their calcareous skeletons. Coscinaraea monile is further classified within the class Hexacorallia, a group of corals that possess six or multiples of six tentacles.
Feeding
Coscinaraea monile, like other stony corals, obtains nutrients through a combination of sources. They are heterotrophic feeders, capturing small food particles such as zooplankton and dust particles. They also rely on their symbiotic relationship with zooxanthellae, single-celled algae that live within their tissues. Zooxanthellae provide the coral with essential nutrients through photosynthesis, fueled by light energy. The combination of these feeding methods allows Coscinaraea monile to thrive in its marine environment.
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