The Daisy Coral – Goniopora stokesi is a captivating and vibrant coral species renowned for its distinctive morphology and ecological significance. With its delicate, daisy-like appearance and captivating colors, this coral species adds a touch of elegance to the underwater landscape.
Description & Characteristics
The Daisy Coral – Goniopora stokesi features a striking colonial structure, with numerous individual polyps clustered together to form a cohesive colony. Each polyp is characterized by a central mouth surrounded by a ring of tentacles. The coral’s unique appearance is further enhanced by its distinctive color palette, which can range from vibrant greens and oranges to warm browns and yellows. The individual polyps typically have a diameter of 1 to 2 centimeters. Goniopora stokesi colonies can reach a maximum size of up to 30 centimeters in diameter.
Habitat and Occurrence
The Daisy Coral – Goniopora stokesi is a common sight in the tropical and subtropical waters of the Indo-Pacific region. It is typically found in shallow reef environments, primarily in the neritic zone (the marine zone extending from the shoreline to the edge of the continental shelf). The species thrives in areas with good water circulation and moderate light levels, often anchoring itself to rocky substrates or coral rubble. The preferred depth range for Goniopora stokesi is between 5 and 30 meters.
Taxonomy
The Daisy Coral – Goniopora stokesi belongs to the family Poritidae, a diverse group of stony corals characterized by their massive, robust colonies. It is classified within the Order Scleractinia, which encompasses the vast majority of modern reef-building corals. These corals are further grouped within the Class Hexacorallia, which distinguishes them from other coral groups based on their six-fold symmetry and the presence of six or multiples of six tentacles.
Feeding
The Daisy Coral – Goniopora stokesi employs a combination of feeding strategies to obtain sustenance. It primarily relies on a symbiotic relationship with microscopic algae called zooxanthellae, which reside within the coral’s tissues. These algae photosynthesize, providing the coral with essential nutrients in exchange for shelter and access to carbon dioxide. Additionally, the coral actively captures and consumes small organisms like plankton using its tentacles. Lastly, Goniopora stokesi supplements its diet by filtering out organic particles suspended in the water column, a process referred to as “dust feeding.”
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