The Giant Elephant Ear, Giant Cup Mushroom, Brown Fat Or Flat Corallimorph, scientifically known as Amplexidiscus fenestrafer, is a fascinating marine invertebrate with a unique appearance and intriguing characteristics.
Description & Characteristics
Amplexidiscus fenestrafer is a large, fleshy corallimorph with a distinctive shape. It has a cup-like structure, with a wide, flat disc that can reach considerable sizes. The disc is typically brown in color, with a rough, textured surface. Its name “Giant Elephant Ear” aptly describes its appearance, resembling a large, fleshy ear. The organism is often found in various shades of brown, ranging from light brown to dark brown. The body is typically attached to a solid surface, with a single, central mouth opening surrounded by tentacles.
Habitat and Occurrence
Amplexidiscus fenestrafer is found in a variety of marine environments, primarily in the subtidal, sublittoral, and infralittoral zones. This means it resides in the areas below the low tide mark, extending down to the shelf edge at a depth of around 200 meters. These zones are often referred to as the “neritic” zone, which encompasses the coastal waters of the ocean. This widespread occurrence makes Amplexidiscus fenestrafer a common sight in these underwater ecosystems.
Taxonomy
The species Amplexidiscus fenestrafer belongs to the Class: Hexacorallia, which includes a diverse range of corals and anemones. It is further classified within the Order: Corallimorpharia, a group of solitary, mushroom-shaped corals that lack a hard skeleton. Finally, it is categorized under the Family: Discosomidae, which comprises a variety of corallimorph species. This scientific classification helps to understand the evolutionary relationships and characteristics of Amplexidiscus fenestrafer within the broader framework of marine invertebrates.
Feeding
Being a carnivore, Amplexidiscus fenestrafer feeds on a diverse range of prey, including brine shrimps, fish (especially small ones), mysis, shrimps, and zooplankton. The tentacles surrounding its mouth capture these food items, transporting them towards the central opening for digestion. Interestingly, Amplexidiscus fenestrafer also harbors symbiotic zooxanthellae algae within its tissues. These algae utilize sunlight to produce energy through photosynthesis, providing a supplementary food source for the corallimorph. This symbiotic relationship helps Amplexidiscus fenestrafer to thrive in environments with varying food availability.
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