Smooth Cauliflower Coral – Stylophora pistillata

, Smooth Cauliflower Coral, Stylophora pistillata
Depth: 1 - 50 m

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Amvrakikos Gulf, Andaman Sea, Arabian Sea, Aral Sea, Arctic Ocean, Atlantic Ocean, Baltic Sea, Barents Sea, Bay of Bengal, Bay of Biscay, Beaufort Sea, Bering Sea, Black Sea, Bohai Sea, Cantabrian Sea, Celtic Sea, Chukchi Sea, Coral Sea, Dead Sea, English Channel, German Bight, Great Barrier Reef, Greenland Sea, Gulf of Aden, Gulf of Fonseca, Gulf of Maine, Gulf of Mexico, Gulf of Saint Lawrence, Halmahera Sea, Iberian Sea, Indian Ocean, Java Sea, Korinthiakos Gulf, Labrador Sea, Levantine Sea, Lingayan Gulf, Mediterranean Sea, Moro Gulf, Okhotsk Sea, Pacific Ocean, Pagassitikos Gulf, Salish Sea, Saronikos Gulf, Scotia Sea, Sea of Azov, Sea of Marmara, Siberian Sea, South China Sea, Southern Ocean, Thermaikos Gulf, Yellow Sea

The Smooth Cauliflower Coral, scientifically known as Stylophora pistillata, is a captivating coral species renowned for its unique morphology and ecological significance. Its distinctive appearance and crucial role in marine ecosystems have attracted the attention of researchers and enthusiasts alike.

Description & Characteristics

Stylophora pistillata, as its name suggests, features a smooth, cauliflower-like surface. It is characterized by its branching structure, with intricate branches that often exhibit a delicate, rounded shape. The coral colonies can attain a substantial size, reaching a maximum diameter of approximately 1 meter. The coloration of this species is quite variable, ranging from pale yellow to vibrant shades of green, brown, and even purple.

Habitat and Occurrence

Stylophora pistillata thrives in a variety of marine environments. It is typically found in shallow, tropical waters, with a depth range that extends from the intertidal zone to approximately 30 meters. The coral prefers habitats with strong currents and abundant sunlight, which contribute to its growth and well-being. This species is commonly encountered in the intertidal zone between the high and low tide lines characterized by the alternation of low and high tides, making it a prevalent presence in these aquatic ecosystems.

Taxonomy

The species Stylophora pistillata belongs to the Class: Hexacorallia, Order: Scleractinia, and Family: Pocilloporidae. This classification highlights its evolutionary relationships and the characteristics that define its taxonomic placement within the broader coral framework.

Feeding

Stylophora pistillata is a heterotrophic organism, meaning it relies on external sources for sustenance. Its primary food sources include plankton, which it captures from the surrounding water column. Additionally, this coral species harbors a symbiotic relationship with microscopic algae called zooxanthellae. These algae reside within the coral’s tissues and provide a significant portion of its energy through photosynthesis, which is fueled by sunlight. This symbiotic relationship is crucial for the survival and growth of Stylophora pistillata.

Associated Species

Image References

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