The Stony Coral – Acropora muricata is a species of coral belonging to the Acroporidae family. It is a crucial part of the coral reef ecosystem, contributing to the biodiversity and overall health of the reef environment. This species, like other stony corals, is characterized by its hard, calcareous skeleton and its symbiotic relationship with zooxanthellae algae.
Description & Characteristics
Acropora muricata, as its common name suggests, is a stony coral with a rigid, calcium carbonate skeleton. This skeleton forms the basis of the coral’s structure, providing support and protection. Its growth habit is characterized by branching structures, giving it a distinctive appearance. The coral polyps, which are the individual animals that make up the colony, are small and have a characteristic radial symmetry, with tentacles surrounding a central mouth. Acropora muricata can attain a considerable size, with colonies reaching lengths of several meters.
Habitat and Occurrence
Acropora muricata exhibits a preference for environments within the subtidal, sublittoral, infralittoral, and deep zones of the oceans. This indicates its presence in the marine environment, ranging from the lower limits of the intertidal zone to the shelf edge at approximately 200 meters in depth. Its habitat can encompass both shallow and deeper waters, making it a common inhabitant of neritic zones.
Taxonomy
Acropora muricata is classified within the animal kingdom, belonging to the phylum Cnidaria. This phylum encompasses a diverse range of aquatic invertebrates, including corals, jellyfish, and sea anemones. The species is further categorized within the Class Hexacorallia, an order that includes corals with six or multiples of six tentacles. The stony corals belong to the Order Scleractinia, distinguished by their hard, calcareous skeletons. Within this order, Acropora muricata is a member of the Family Acroporidae, a group of branching corals known for their intricate structures.
Feeding
Acropora muricata engages in a unique feeding strategy, combining both heterotrophic and autotrophic modes of nutrition. This species is a filter feeder, capturing plankton and other small organisms from the water column using its tentacles. However, it also harbors a symbiotic relationship with zooxanthellae, photosynthetic algae that reside within its tissues. These algae provide the coral with a significant source of energy through photosynthesis, making the coral dependent on sunlight for its survival. This symbiotic relationship is crucial for the growth and health of Acropora muricata, allowing it to thrive in environments with sufficient light penetration.
Image References