Stony Coral – Lobophyllia corymbosa is a captivating species of coral found in the depths of the ocean. This coral is known for its distinct appearance and its important role in the marine ecosystem.
Description & Characteristics
The Lobophyllia corymbosa coral exhibits a robust and captivating appearance. It features a massive, dome-shaped colony that can grow to substantial sizes, often reaching a diameter of several feet. The coral’s surface is covered in a multitude of polyps, the tiny individual animals that make up the colony. These polyps have a distinctive, fleshy appearance and are adorned with numerous tentacles. These tentacles extend outwards from the polyp, allowing it to capture food and defend itself from potential threats.
Habitat and Occurrence
Lobophyllia corymbosa is found in the Subtidal, sublittoral, infralittoral, and deep zones of the oceans, extending from the lower limit of the intertidal zone to the shelf edge at about 200 meters water depth, making it a prevalent presence in these aquatic ecosystems. This species thrives in a range of marine environments, including reefs, rocky outcrops, and sandy bottoms. It prefers clear, warm waters with moderate currents. This stony coral is often found in the neritic zone, the shallow water zone extending from the shoreline to the edge of the continental shelf.
Taxonomy
The species Lobophyllia corymbosa is classified within the phylum Cnidaria, which encompasses a diverse range of aquatic animals, including jellyfish, sea anemones, and corals. This species belongs to the Class: Hexacorallia, which is characterized by having polyps with six or multiples of six tentacles. It belongs to the Order: Scleractinia, which encompasses hard corals that possess a skeleton composed of calcium carbonate. Finally, it is part of the Family: Lobophylliidae, a family of stony corals that are distinguished by their massive, dome-shaped colonies and their fleshy polyps.
Feeding
Lobophyllia corymbosa, like many other corals, is a heterotrophic organism. It obtains its nutrition through a combination of feeding methods. Primarily, it captures small plankton, including zooplankton and phytoplankton, using its tentacles. These tentacles are lined with stinging cells called nematocysts, which paralyze prey and draw it towards the polyp’s mouth. In addition to this, Lobophyllia corymbosa maintains a symbiotic relationship with photosynthetic algae called zooxanthellae. These algae reside within the coral’s tissues and provide the coral with a significant portion of its energy through photosynthesis. This symbiotic relationship allows the coral to thrive in areas with limited food availability, as the zooxanthellae provide a constant supply of energy from sunlight.
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