Antipatharia

Antipatharia, commonly known as black corals, are a diverse order of colonial cnidarians found in the deep sea. They are characterized by their distinctive black or dark brown skeletons, which are made of a protein called antipathin. Unlike other corals, black corals lack zooxanthellae, the symbiotic algae that provide nutrients to many shallow-water corals. Instead, they obtain food through filter feeding, using their polyps’ tentacles to capture small organisms and organic matter from the surrounding water.

Stichopathes maldivensis

Wire Coral – Cirrhipathes anguina

Cirrhipathes rumphii

Whip Coral, Spiral Wire Coral, Corkscrew Whip Coral – Cirrhipathes spiralis

Galapagos Black Coral, Yellow Polyp Black Coral, Coral Negro, Little Thorn Coral – Antipathes galapagensis

Black Coral – Antipathella wollastoni

Characteristics

Antipatharian colonies are typically branched and tree-like, with polyps arranged in rows along the branches. They are often found in habitats with strong currents, and their flexible skeletons allow them to withstand the forces of the ocean. The polyps themselves are small and inconspicuous, with a single, central mouth surrounded by tentacles. These tentacles are equipped with stinging nematocysts, which they use to paralyze prey.

A notable feature of Antipatharia is the absence of calcium carbonate in their skeletons, which sets them apart from the majority of corals. This feature allows them to thrive in deep-water environments where calcium carbonate is scarce. Their skeletons are made of antipathin, a protein that is unique to this order.

Environments

Antipatharia are found in a wide range of deep-sea environments, from shallow reefs to the abyssal depths. They are typically found in areas with strong currents, as these provide them with access to the food they need. They can also be found in cold-water environments, where the lack of sunlight makes it difficult for other corals to thrive.

Black corals are known to be slow-growing and long-lived, with some colonies estimated to be hundreds of years old. This longevity makes them particularly vulnerable to damage from fishing gear and other human activities. As a result, many species of Antipatharia are listed as threatened or endangered.

References

For more information about Antipatharia, please consult the following reliable sources: