Stony Coral – Sandalolitha robusta is a fascinating and important species of coral found in the world’s oceans. These corals are characterized by their distinctive hard, stony skeleton, which is composed of calcium carbonate. This skeletal structure provides them with a rigid framework and serves as a protective barrier.
Description & Characteristics
Sandalolitha robusta typically grows to a maximum size of several inches in diameter, although larger specimens have been observed. Its color can vary, ranging from shades of brown to gray and white. The surface of the coral is often covered in small, bumpy protuberances, giving it a textured appearance. This coral exhibits a variety of growth forms, including solitary or branching colonies, contributing to the diversity of reef environments.
Habitat and Occurrence
The Stony Coral – Sandalolitha robusta is commonly found in the subtidal, sublittoral, infralittoral, and deep zones of the oceans. This extensive depth range, reaching from the lower limit of the intertidal zone to the shelf edge at about 200 meters, highlights the adaptability of this coral species to diverse marine environments. Its presence in the neritic zone, which extends from the shoreline to the edge of the continental shelf, underscores its significant role in these ecosystems.
Taxonomy
Sandalolitha robusta is classified within the phylum Cnidaria, a group that encompasses jellyfish, corals, and anemones. It belongs to the Class Hexacorallia, which is characterized by corals possessing six or multiples of six tentacles. The order Scleractinia, commonly known as stony corals, further distinguishes the species by its hard skeletal structure. Finally, it falls within the Family Fungiidae, which includes mushroom corals and other solitary corals like Sandalolitha robusta.
Feeding
The Stony Coral – Sandalolitha robusta is an opportunistic feeder, relying on a combination of sources for sustenance. It captures small organisms like phytoplankton, plankton, and zooplankton using its tentacles, which are equipped with stinging cells called nematocysts. Additionally, Sandalolitha robusta harbors a symbiotic relationship with photosynthetic algae called zooxanthellae. These algae live within the coral’s tissues and provide a significant portion of its energy needs through photosynthesis, requiring sunlight for this process. This symbiotic relationship highlights the vital role of light in supporting the coral’s growth and survival.
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