Cyphastrea ocellina, commonly known as Stony Coral, is a captivating species of coral found throughout the Indo-Pacific region. Its intricate structure and vibrant colors contribute to the remarkable beauty of coral reefs.
Description & Characteristics
Stony Coral, Cyphastrea ocellina, is characterized by its distinctive, rounded colonies that can grow to a maximum size of approximately 30 centimeters. The colonies are comprised of numerous individual polyps, each with a central mouth surrounded by tentacles. The polyps are embedded in a hard, calcareous skeleton that gives the coral its stony appearance. The surface of the coral is often covered in small, raised bumps called verrucae, which can vary in shape and size. The color of Cyphastrea ocellina can range from pale brown to deep green, with some colonies displaying shades of yellow or orange. Its unique characteristic lies in the presence of distinctive “eyes” or “ocelli”, small, round structures that are visible on the surface of the coral. These ocelli can be brown, black, or white and give the coral a unique appearance. The coral is also known for its ability to form large, massive colonies, which can provide shelter and habitat for a variety of marine life.
Habitat and Occurrence
Cyphastrea ocellina is a common coral species throughout the Indo-Pacific region, with a distribution that extends from the Red Sea to the Pacific Ocean. This coral species is found in a variety of marine habitats, including shallow reefs, lagoons, and seaward reefs. Cyphastrea ocellina is generally found in depths ranging from 1 to 30 meters, thriving in clear, well-lit waters with moderate currents. Its preference for these conditions makes it a common inhabitant of the reef crest and reef flat zones, particularly in the tropical and subtropical regions where these zones are prominent.
Taxonomy
Cyphastrea ocellina belongs to the Class: Hexacorallia, Order: Scleractinia, and Family: Merulinidae. This classification places it within the group of stony corals, which are characterized by their hard, calcareous skeletons. Stony corals, like Cyphastrea ocellina, are important components of coral reefs, providing habitat and structure for a diverse array of marine organisms.
Feeding
Cyphastrea ocellina, like many other coral species, exhibits a symbiotic relationship with microscopic algae called zooxanthellae. These algae live within the coral’s tissues and provide the coral with a significant portion of its energy through photosynthesis. In addition to this symbiotic relationship, Stony Coral actively feeds on a variety of plankton, including phytoplankton, zooplankton, and occasionally larger organisms. These food sources supplement the energy provided by the zooxanthellae and contribute to the overall health and growth of the coral.
Image References