The Staghorn Coral – Acropora cytherea is a species of coral found in the Indo-Pacific region. It is a branching coral with a characteristic staghorn shape, and is known for its fast growth rate and vibrant coloration. This species is a crucial component of coral reef ecosystems, providing habitat for a wide variety of marine life.
Description & Characteristics
The Acropora cytherea is a large, branching coral that can grow up to 1 meter in height. It has a distinctive staghorn shape, with branches that grow in a radial pattern. The branches are typically covered in polyps, which are small, individual organisms that make up the coral colony. The Acropora cytherea can display a variety of colors, including brown, green, yellow, and white.
Habitat and Occurrence
The Staghorn Coral – Acropora cytherea is found in the Indo-Pacific region, ranging from the Red Sea to the Pacific Ocean. It prefers clear, shallow waters with strong currents. The Acropora cytherea is typically found in the subtidal, sublittoral, infralittoral, and deep zones of the oceans, from the lower limit of the intertidal zone to the shelf edge at about 200 meters water depth. This makes it a common inhabitant of the neritic zone.
Taxonomy
The species Acropora cytherea belongs to the Class: Hexacorallia, Order: Scleractinia, and Family: Acroporidae. This classification places it within the group of stony corals, which are known for their hard, calcium carbonate skeletons.
Feeding
The Staghorn Coral – Acropora cytherea is a suspension feeder, capturing small organisms like plankton from the water column. It also derives nutrition from symbiotic algae called zooxanthellae, which live within its tissues. These algae perform photosynthesis, providing the coral with essential nutrients in exchange for a protected environment.
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