Trumpet Coral, scientifically known as Caulastraea echinulata, is a striking and fascinating coral species found in various marine environments. Renowned for its unique trumpet-shaped corallites, this coral adds a vibrant touch to the underwater landscape.
Description & Characteristics
Caulastraea echinulata, often referred to as Trumpet Coral, showcases a distinctive morphology. Its corallites, the individual cups housing the coral polyps, resemble miniature trumpets, hence its common name. These corallites are arranged in clusters, forming colonies that can grow quite sizable. The coral’s surface is textured with numerous spines and ridges, contributing to its intricate appearance. While the color palette of Caulastraea echinulata can vary, it typically exhibits shades of brown, green, or even reddish-brown hues. The size of this coral species can range from small colonies to larger formations, with individual corallites typically measuring around 1 cm in diameter.
Habitat and Occurrence
Caulastraea echinulata is a common sight in the Subtidal, sublittoral, infralittoral, and deep zones of the oceans, occupying depths from the lower limit of the intertidal zone to the shelf edge at about 200 m. This coral species thrives in the neritic marine zone, a region of the ocean that extends from the shoreline to the edge of the continental shelf. Its presence in these marine zones is a testament to its adaptability and ability to flourish in various environments.
Taxonomy
Caulastraea echinulata belongs to the Class: Hexacorallia, Order: Scleractinia, and Family: Merulinidae. This classification reflects its shared characteristics with other stony corals, particularly its hard, calcium carbonate skeleton and the presence of six-fold symmetry in its polyps.
Feeding
Like many other coral species, Caulastraea echinulata relies on a symbiotic relationship with zooxanthellae, microscopic algae that live within its tissues. These algae provide the coral with essential nutrients through photosynthesis. The Trumpet Coral also supplements its diet by capturing zooplankton and other small organisms using its stinging tentacles. The presence of light is crucial for the zooxanthellae to thrive, thus influencing the coral’s habitat preference and distribution.
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