The Walking Dendro – Heteropsammia cochlea is a fascinating species of solitary coral, notable for its unusual ability to “walk” across the seafloor. This intriguing behavior, along with its unique morphology and ecological significance, makes it a captivating subject of study for marine biologists and coral enthusiasts alike.
Description & Characteristics
The Heteropsammia cochlea is characterized by its distinctive mushroom-shaped skeleton, often referred to as a “calyx.” This skeleton, composed of calcium carbonate, provides structural support and protection for the coral polyp. The polyp itself, the soft-bodied animal that forms the coral, is typically brown or tan in color and has numerous tentacles that it uses to capture food. The Heteropsammia cochlea can grow to a maximum size of approximately 5 cm in diameter, making it a relatively small species of coral.
Habitat and Occurrence
The Heteropsammia cochlea is found in a variety of marine environments, including coral reefs, intertidal zones, and the subtidal zone. Its habitat is primarily the neritic zone, which encompasses the subtidal, sublittoral, and infralittoral areas, extending from the lower limit of the intertidal zone to the shelf edge at approximately 200 meters in depth. This broad range of habitat preference demonstrates the adaptability of this species.
Taxonomy
The Heteropsammia cochlea is classified within the Class: Hexacorallia, which encompasses a diverse group of corals, sea anemones, and jellyfish. It belongs to the Order: Scleractinia, a group known for their hard, calcium carbonate skeletons. Finally, it is a member of the Family: Dendrophylliidae, which includes numerous solitary coral species.
Feeding
The Heteropsammia cochlea is a carnivorous coral, feeding primarily on small invertebrates like copepods and amphipods. Its diet also includes phytoplankton and zooplankton, which it captures using its tentacles. This diverse diet, coupled with its ability to utilize both photosynthetic symbionts (zooxanthellae) and heterotrophic feeding, allows the Heteropsammia cochlea to thrive in a variety of environments.
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