The North Atlantic Cold-water Coral, Desmophyllum pertusum, is a fascinating and ecologically important species of deep-sea coral found in the cold, dark waters of the North Atlantic Ocean. These corals thrive in environments where sunlight is absent, relying on alternative food sources for survival.
Description & Characteristics
Desmophyllum pertusum is a solitary, colonial coral that exhibits a unique, elongated, cylindrical shape. It can reach impressive sizes, with some individuals exceeding 1 meter in length. Its distinguishing feature is the presence of numerous, small, circular pores scattered across its surface, giving it a distinctive appearance. The coral’s skeleton, made of calcium carbonate, is robust and serves as a protective exoskeleton.
Habitat and Occurrence
Desmophyllum pertusum is a deep-sea coral, typically inhabiting the bathyal and abyssal zones, ranging from depths of around 200 to 3,000 meters. These corals are often found in a variety of habitats, including rocky outcrops, canyons, and seamounts. Their preference for these environments is likely driven by the availability of suitable substrates for attachment and the presence of currents that deliver food sources.
Taxonomy
Desmophyllum pertusum belongs to the Class: Hexacorallia, Order: Scleractinia, and Family: Caryophylliidae. This classification reflects the coral’s unique characteristics, including its solitary nature, the presence of six-fold radial symmetry, and its robust, calcium carbonate skeleton.
Feeding
Unlike many shallow-water corals that harbor symbiotic algae called zooxanthellae, Desmophyllum pertusum is azooxanthellate, meaning it does not rely on photosynthesis for its nutrition. Instead, these corals are non-photosynthetic and rely on capturing food particles from the surrounding water column. Their diet consists primarily of marine snow, which is a mixture of organic debris that settles from the surface waters, and plankton, small organisms that drift in the water column.
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