Lamarck’s Sheet Cora, scientifically known as Agaricia lamarcki, is a fascinating species of coral found in various marine environments. Its unique structure and characteristics make it a standout among its coral counterparts.
Description & Characteristics
Lamarck’s Sheet Cora is characterized by its distinctive flattened, sheet-like growth form. These colonies can reach significant sizes, often exceeding 1 meter in diameter. The corallites, the individual polyps that make up the colony, are small and densely packed, giving the coral a textured surface. The color of Agaricia lamarcki can vary depending on its location and environmental conditions, ranging from pale gray to vibrant shades of green, brown, and even orange. Its intricate branching patterns contribute to the overall beauty of this species.
Habitat and Occurrence
Lamarck’s Sheet Cora thrives in a variety of marine zones, including the subtidal, sublittoral, and infralittoral regions, ranging from the lower limit of the intertidal zone to the shelf edge at approximately 200 meters water depth. Its presence is common in neritic environments, highlighting its adaptability to different depths and conditions.
Taxonomy
Agaricia lamarcki belongs to the Class: Hexacorallia, Order: Scleractinia, and Family: Agariciidae. This classification reflects its close relationship to other stony corals, with the Order Scleractinia encompassing the majority of reef-building corals.
Feeding
Agaricia lamarcki feeds on a combination of sources. Like many other corals, it hosts symbiotic zooxanthellae, single-celled algae that reside within its tissues. These zooxanthellae provide the coral with energy through photosynthesis, a process fueled by sunlight. Additionally, Agaricia lamarcki supplements its diet by capturing plankton from the water column and absorbing dissolved organic matter, commonly referred to as “dust food.” This diverse feeding strategy allows Agaricia lamarcki to thrive in a variety of environments.
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