Acrozoanthus
Acrozoanthus is a genus of colonial, symbiotic, zoanthid anthozoans in the family Zoanthidae. These marine invertebrates are commonly known as “zoanthids” or “button polyps” due to their appearance. They are characterized by their small, polyp-like bodies that are typically arranged in clusters or colonies, with a central mouth surrounded by tentacles.
Common Names
Acrozoanthus species are often referred to by the following common names:
- Zoanthids
- Button polyps
- Colonial anemones
Characteristics
Acrozoanthus species exhibit a number of distinctive characteristics:
- Colonial: They form colonies, with individual polyps connected by a common tissue called a coenosarc.
- Symbiotic: They house symbiotic dinoflagellate algae called zooxanthellae within their tissues. These algae provide the zoanthids with food through photosynthesis.
- Small polyps: Individual polyps are typically small, measuring only a few millimeters in diameter.
- Tentacles: They have numerous, short tentacles surrounding their mouth.
- Color variation: Acrozoanthus species can exhibit a wide range of colors, including green, brown, orange, and purple.
- Calcium carbonate skeleton: Some species possess a hard, calcium carbonate skeleton that helps to support the colony.
Environments
Acrozoanthus species are found in a variety of marine environments, including:
- Coral reefs: They are commonly found growing on coral reefs, both in shallow and deeper waters.
- Rocky shores: Some species can also be found in rocky intertidal zones.
- Mangrove forests: Certain species inhabit the roots and branches of mangrove trees.
References
For more information about Acrozoanthus, you can consult the following reliable sources: