The Strawberry Shortcake Acropora, scientifically known as Acropora microclados, is a captivating coral species renowned for its vibrant and unique appearance. This coral species is characterized by its distinctive branching structure and captivating color palette.
Description & Characteristics
The Strawberry Shortcake Acropora, or Acropora microclados, is a branching coral species that can grow to a considerable size. Its branches are typically short, thick, and often exhibit a distinctive “strawberry” shape. The coral colonies of Acropora microclados are known for their vibrant color range, which can include shades of red, orange, yellow, and even green. The coral polyps, which are responsible for creating the coral’s calcium carbonate skeleton, are small and numerous, giving the colony its distinctive texture.
Habitat and Occurrence
The Strawberry Shortcake Acropora, or Acropora microclados, is a coral species commonly found in the subtidal, sublittoral, and infralittoral zones of the ocean. These zones encompass a vast area from the lower limit of the intertidal zone to the shelf edge, spanning a depth range of approximately 200 meters. Therefore, Acropora microclados thrives in a variety of marine environments, contributing to the biodiversity of these critical ecosystems.
Taxonomy
The Strawberry Shortcake Acropora, or Acropora microclados, is classified within the phylum Cnidaria. This phylum encompasses a diverse range of aquatic invertebrates, including corals, jellyfish, anemones, and hydroids. Within the phylum, Acropora microclados belongs to the Class: Hexacorallia, Order: Scleractinia, and Family: Acroporidae. This categorization places Acropora microclados among the hard corals, distinguished by their solid calcium carbonate skeletons.
Feeding
The Strawberry Shortcake Acropora, or Acropora microclados, exhibits a unique feeding strategy. It derives sustenance from a combination of dissolved inorganic substances, such as sodium chloride (NaCl), calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), potassium (K), and iodine (I), along with dissolved organic substances. Additionally, Acropora microclados relies on plankton as a food source. However, a key component of its diet comes from a symbiotic relationship with tiny algae known as zooxanthellae. These algae reside within the coral’s tissues and utilize sunlight to perform photosynthesis, providing the coral with essential nutrients. In return, the coral provides the algae with a protected environment and access to essential inorganic compounds. This symbiotic relationship is crucial for the survival and growth of Acropora microclados.
Image References