Acropora valida, commonly known as Stone Coral, is a species of stony coral found in various marine environments. It is a significant contributor to the biodiversity of coral reefs, contributing to the complex ecosystems that these structures support.
Description & Characteristics
Acropora valida is characterized by its robust branching structure, with branches that can reach considerable lengths. The coral’s surface is typically covered in small polyps, which are responsible for feeding and reproduction. The color of Acropora valida can vary depending on its location and environmental factors, ranging from shades of brown to green and even pink.
Habitat and Occurrence
Acropora valida is found in a range of marine zones, including the subtidal, sublittoral, infralittoral, and deeper zones of the oceans, reaching depths of up to 200 meters. It thrives in environments with high levels of sunlight and water clarity, making it a common inhabitant of coral reefs, especially in the neritic zone, which extends from the intertidal zone to the shelf edge.
Taxonomy
The species Acropora valida belongs to the Class: Hexacorallia, Order: Scleractinia, and Family: Acroporidae. These classifications reflect the evolutionary relationships and shared characteristics of this coral species with other stony corals.
Feeding
Acropora valida exhibits a unique feeding strategy, relying on a combination of sources. It obtains nutrition from dissolved inorganic substances like sodium chloride (NaCl), calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), potassium (K), and iodine (I) present in seawater. It also derives sustenance from dissolved organic substances released by other organisms.
Furthermore, Acropora valida actively feeds on plankton, small organisms that drift in the water column. A crucial part of their diet is derived from symbiotic zooxanthellae, single-celled algae that live within the coral’s tissues. These algae utilize sunlight for photosynthesis, providing the coral with a substantial portion of its energy needs.
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