Pavona minuta, commonly known as Stony Coral, is a species of stony coral belonging to the family Agariciidae. These corals are characterized by their unique branching structures and their role in the complex ecosystems they inhabit.
Description & Characteristics
Pavona minuta is a relatively small stony coral species, with colonies typically reaching a maximum size of around 10 centimeters in diameter. The colonies exhibit a distinctive branching morphology, with branches that are often flat and plate-like, resembling the shape of a fan. The coral polyps, which are the individual animals that make up the colony, are embedded within the calcium carbonate skeleton of the colony and are responsible for the coral’s growth and feeding.
Habitat and Occurrence
Pavona minuta is a common inhabitant of shallow reef environments, typically found in depths ranging from 1 to 20 meters. This species is particularly prevalent in the Indo-Pacific region, where it is found in a variety of marine zones, including the Tropical Indo-Pacific, the Coral Triangle, and the Red Sea. The presence of Pavona minuta in these areas highlights its adaptability to different environmental conditions and its significant role in the overall health and diversity of these ecosystems.
Taxonomy
Pavona minuta is classified within the Order Scleractinia, which encompasses a wide array of hard corals characterized by their calcium carbonate skeletons. The species belongs to the Family Agariciidae, which includes a group of stony corals that are known for their distinctive plate-like or fan-shaped growth forms. This classification reflects the evolutionary relationships and shared characteristics among these corals.
Feeding
Pavona minuta, like many other stony corals, feeds through a combination of two methods: filter feeding and symbiosis. The coral polyps extend their tentacles, which are covered in stinging cells called nematocysts, to capture small plankton and other microscopic organisms from the surrounding water. In addition to this, Pavona minuta hosts symbiotic algae called zooxanthellae within their tissues. These algae utilize sunlight to produce food through photosynthesis, providing a portion of the coral’s nutritional needs. The relationship between the coral and the zooxanthellae is mutually beneficial, with the coral providing a protected environment for the algae and the algae providing a source of energy for the coral. This dual feeding strategy allows Pavona minuta to thrive in nutrient-rich environments while also being able to survive in areas with limited food availability.
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