Oculina patagonica is a species of stony coral found in the marine environment.
Description & Characteristics
Oculina patagonica is a small, solitary coral that typically grows to a maximum size of a few centimeters. It has a distinctive, cup-shaped skeleton that is often covered in small, fleshy polyps. These polyps extend from the coral’s skeleton and are responsible for capturing food. The color of Oculina patagonica can vary depending on its location and the type of algae that it hosts.
Habitat and Occurrence
Oculina patagonica is a common species found in the Intertidal (Eulittoral), intertidal zone between the high and low tide lines characterized by the alternation of low and high tides. This means it thrives in areas that are regularly exposed to air and water. It can be found attached to rocks, shells, and other hard substrates. The species’ preference for these intertidal zones makes it a prominent feature of this specific marine environment.
Taxonomy
Oculina patagonica belongs to the Class: Hexacorallia, Order: Scleractinia, and Family: Oculinidae. This classification reflects its relationship to other coral species within the animal kingdom.
Feeding
Oculina patagonica is an apozooxanthellate coral, meaning it does not host symbiotic zooxanthellae algae within its tissues. Therefore, it primarily relies on capturing plankton from the water column for sustenance. The polyps of Oculina patagonica extend and use their tentacles to capture passing plankton. This feeding strategy distinguishes it from other coral species that rely on photosynthesis by their hosted zooxanthellae.
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