The Mushroom Coral – Heliofungia fralinae is a striking and popular coral species known for its distinctive, mushroom-like shape. Often referred to as “plate coral” or “mushroom coral,” this species is a captivating addition to both natural reefs and home aquariums.
Description & Characteristics
The Heliofungia fralinae is a solitary coral that exhibits a wide range of colors, including vibrant shades of green, brown, orange, and pink. Its flattened, disc-shaped polyp resembles a mushroom cap, giving rise to its common name. The coral can reach a substantial size, with individuals typically measuring between 4 and 10 inches in diameter. Its surface is covered in numerous, short tentacles that aid in capturing food. The polyp is often embedded in a calcareous skeleton, which provides support and protection.
Habitat and Occurrence
The Heliofungia fralinae thrives in shallow, tropical waters, often found in areas with strong currents and high levels of light. It prefers to settle on rocky surfaces or dead coral, where it can readily access food and sunlight. This coral is commonly encountered in the Indo-Pacific region, particularly in the coral reefs of the Philippines, Indonesia, and Australia. The Heliofungia fralinae is a characteristic species of the neritic zone, the shallowest part of the ocean that extends from the shore to the edge of the continental shelf. This zone is teeming with diverse marine life and is crucial for the health of the world’s oceans.
Taxonomy
The Heliofungia fralinae belongs to the Class: Hexacorallia, which encompasses a vast group of corals and sea anemones. Within this class, it falls under the Order: Scleractinia, a group known for their hard, calcium carbonate skeletons. Finally, the Heliofungia fralinae is classified under the Family: Fungiidae, a family that includes several other mushroom-shaped corals.
Feeding
The Heliofungia fralinae relies on a combination of feeding strategies to obtain its nourishment. It is a heterotroph, meaning it cannot produce its own food. The coral extends its tentacles to capture zooplankton, small organisms that drift in the water column, as its primary food source. Additionally, the Heliofungia fralinae harbors symbiotic zooxanthellae, microscopic algae that live within its tissues. These algae photosynthesize, providing the coral with a supplementary source of energy.
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