Acropora branchi, commonly known as Stony Coral, is a species of branching coral belonging to the family Acroporidae. It is a vibrant and intricate member of coral reefs, contributing significantly to the biodiversity of these underwater ecosystems.
Description & Characteristics
Acropora branchi is characterized by its branching structure, typically forming colonies with intricate patterns. The individual coral polyps, the tiny animals that make up the colony, are small and numerous, giving the coral a textured appearance. The color of Acropora branchi can vary depending on its location and environmental factors, ranging from vibrant yellows and oranges to subtle browns and greens.
Habitat and Occurrence
Acropora branchi prefers to inhabit the subtidal, sublittoral, and infralittoral zones of the ocean, extending from the lower limit of the intertidal zone down to the shelf edge at about 200 meters deep. This depth range places Acropora branchi within the neritic zone, a marine zone encompassing the shallow waters above the continental shelf.
Taxonomy
Acropora branchi belongs to the Class: Hexacorallia, Order: Scleractinia, and Family: Acroporidae. This classification reflects its shared characteristics with other corals, including a hexagonal arrangement of tentacles around their mouths and a skeleton made of calcium carbonate.
Feeding
Acropora branchi feeds primarily through a combination of two methods: capturing plankton from the water column and relying on symbiotic relationships with microscopic algae called zooxanthellae. Zooxanthellae live within the coral tissue and produce energy through photosynthesis, providing a significant portion of the coral’s nutritional needs.
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