The Purple Bullseye, scientifically known as Acanthastrea echinata, is a captivating coral species renowned for its vibrant coloration and unique morphology. This coral, belonging to the family Lobophylliidae, is a prominent inhabitant of diverse marine environments across the globe.
Description & Characteristics
Acanthastrea echinata exhibits a distinctive appearance, characterized by its dome-shaped colony structure, often reaching a maximum size of approximately 20 centimeters in diameter. The coral’s surface is adorned with numerous, small, and prominent polyps, each possessing a central mouth surrounded by a ring of tentacles. These polyps are densely packed, giving the colony a textured and almost spiky appearance. The most striking characteristic of this coral is its color: a deep, rich purple hue that intensifies under strong light. This vibrant coloration stems from the presence of symbiotic zooxanthellae algae residing within the coral’s tissues.
Habitat and Occurrence
The Purple Bullseye is a coral species commonly found in the Subtidal, sublittoral, infralittoral, and deep zone of the oceans from the lower limit of the intertidal zone to the shelf edge at about 200 meters water depth. This species is often found in neritic marine zones, where its presence is a testament to its adaptability across different depths and environmental conditions.
Taxonomy
The species Acanthastrea echinata belongs to the Class: Hexacorallia, Order: Scleractinia, and Family: Lobophylliidae. This taxonomic classification reflects the coral’s shared characteristics with other members of these groups, namely, its possession of sixfold symmetry in its polyps and its possession of a hard, calcium carbonate skeleton.
Feeding
Like many other coral species, Acanthastrea echinata derives its nourishment through a combination of sources. Its symbiotic relationship with zooxanthellae algae provides a significant portion of its energy, with the algae producing sugars through photosynthesis that are then absorbed by the coral. In addition to this photosynthetic contribution, Acanthastrea echinata also feeds on plankton, including phytoplankton, zooplankton, and other microscopic organisms that are captured by its tentacles. This dual feeding strategy allows the coral to thrive in a variety of environments and conditions.
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