The Warty Sea Rod, scientifically known as Eunicea calyculata, is a captivating species of colonial coral belonging to the family Plexauridae. These vibrant, branching corals are a common sight in the tropical waters of the Caribbean and western Atlantic Ocean.
Description & Characteristics
Eunicea calyculata is recognized by its unique warty surface texture, lending it its common name. This texture is a result of numerous small, raised bumps scattered across its branches. The colonies can reach impressive sizes, growing up to 1.5 meters in height. The individual polyps, or zooids, are small and inconspicuous, giving the colony a smooth appearance. The color of the Warty Sea Rod can vary widely, ranging from bright yellow and orange to reddish-brown and purple, depending on the environment and individual colony.
Habitat and Occurrence
The Warty Sea Rod is typically found in shallow, tropical waters of the Caribbean and western Atlantic Ocean. It thrives in a variety of marine zones, from coral reefs to rocky outcrops, favoring depths between 1 and 30 meters. This adaptability to different habitats allows it to colonize diverse environments and contribute to the vibrant ecosystems it inhabits.
Taxonomy
The species Eunicea calyculata belongs to the Class: Octocorallia, Order: Malacalcyonacea, and Family: Plexauridae. This classification highlights its relationship to other soft corals, characterized by their eight-tentacled polyps and flexible, branching structures.
Feeding
The Warty Sea Rod is a heterotrophic organism, relying on various food sources for survival. Its primary food source is plankton, which it captures with its tentacles. This colonial coral also harbors zooxanthellae, symbiotic single-celled algae that live within its tissues. The zooxanthellae provide Eunicea calyculata with a supplementary food source by photosynthesizing, utilizing sunlight to produce energy. This unique partnership allows Eunicea calyculata to thrive in nutrient-rich environments bathed in sunlight.
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