The Pillow Coral, also known as the Mediterranean Pillow Coral, is a type of stony coral scientifically classified as Cladocora caespitosa. This coral species is known for its distinctive pillow-shaped colonies and is a common sight in the Mediterranean Sea.
Description & Characteristics
Cladocora caespitosa is characterized by its robust, rounded colonies that resemble pillows, giving rise to its common name. These colonies can grow up to 50 cm in diameter, showcasing a distinctive, irregular, and often convoluted surface. The coral polyps, the individual animals that make up the colony, are typically small and densely packed within the corallite structure. The color of the Cladocora caespitosa varies from pale yellow to brown, often with a tinge of pink or red, making it a vibrant addition to the underwater landscape.
Habitat and Occurrence
The Pillow Coral thrives in shallow, rocky, and well-lit environments, making it a frequent inhabitant of coastal areas. It is particularly common in the Mediterranean Sea, where it occupies a range of depths, from the intertidal zone down to about 30 meters. The Cladocora caespitosa can be found in both the neritic zone, which extends from the shoreline out to the edge of the continental shelf, and the epipelagic zone, which is the sunlit layer of the ocean. This species is adapted to a variety of environmental conditions, making it a resilient inhabitant of the Mediterranean ecosystem.
Taxonomy
The Pillow Coral, Cladocora caespitosa, is a member of the Order: Scleractinia, which is a diverse group of corals commonly known as stony corals. They belong to the Family: Cladocoridae, a family of corals known for their colonial nature and distinctive skeletal structures. This family is further classified under the Class: Hexacorallia, a class that encompasses corals with polyps that typically have six or multiples of six tentacles.
Feeding
Cladocora caespitosa obtains its sustenance from a combination of sources. They feed on plankton, which they capture with their tentacles. They also have a symbiotic relationship with microscopic algae called zooxanthellae that reside within their tissues. These algae photosynthesize, providing the coral with energy from sunlight, which is essential for their growth and survival. This unique combination of feeding methods allows the Cladocora caespitosa to thrive in its diverse environment, utilizing both the resources available in the water column and the energy provided by sunlight.
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