Stony Coral – Acropora subglabra

, Stony Coral, Acropora subglabra
Depth: 5 - 35 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

Stony Coral – Acropora subglabra is a species of coral found in a variety of marine habitats. This coral, belonging to the Acroporidae family, is a significant component of many underwater ecosystems.

Description & Characteristics

Acropora subglabra, commonly known as Stony Coral, is a hard coral species characterized by its branching structure. It can grow to a substantial size, reaching a maximum of several feet in height. The branches of the coral are typically thin and delicate, giving it a feathery appearance. This branching structure provides a complex habitat for a variety of marine life. The Stony Coral is also known for its bright coloration, ranging from shades of green and brown to yellow and pink.

Habitat and Occurrence

The Stony Coral – Acropora subglabra thrives in a range of marine zones, particularly in subtidal, sublittoral, and infralittoral environments. This coral is found from the lower limit of the intertidal zone (intertidal) to the shelf edge at about 200 m water depth. This wide distribution places it in the neritic zone, encompassing the shallow waters along continental margins. These environments provide the ideal conditions for the coral’s growth and survival.

Taxonomy

The species Acropora subglabra belongs to the Class: Hexacorallia, Order: Scleractinia, and Family: Acroporidae. This classification reflects its biological characteristics and evolutionary history, placing it within a broader group of corals. The Hexacorallia class encompasses corals with six-fold symmetry, while the Scleractinia order includes corals with a hard, calcium carbonate skeleton. The Acroporidae family comprises a diverse group of branching and plating corals, including Acropora subglabra.

Feeding

Acropora subglabra feeds on a combination of plankton and symbiotic algae known as zooxanthellae. Plankton, microscopic organisms that drift in the water, are captured by the coral’s polyps. Zooxanthellae reside within the coral’s tissues and provide nourishment through photosynthesis, utilizing sunlight to produce energy. This symbiotic relationship is vital for the coral’s survival, as it supplements its diet and provides essential nutrients.

Associated Species

Image References

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