Coralliidae

Common Names

Coralliidae corals are commonly referred to as "stony corals," "true corals," or simply "corals." This family includes various species with specific common names, such as staghorn coral, elkhorn coral, and brain coral, reflecting their unique shapes and appearances.

Characteristics

Coralliidae corals share several key characteristics:

• Calcium carbonate skeleton: The most defining feature of Coralliidae is their hard, branching skeleton composed of calcium carbonate. This skeleton provides structural support and protection for the coral colony.
• Polyps: Corals are colonial organisms, meaning they consist of many individual polyps. Each polyp is a small, sac-like animal with tentacles that capture food.
• Zooxanthellae: Most Coralliidae corals have a symbiotic relationship with zooxanthellae, single-celled algae that live within their tissues. These algae provide the corals with nutrients through photosynthesis, giving them their vibrant colors.
• Reproduction: Corals reproduce both sexually and asexually. Sexual reproduction involves the release of sperm and eggs, while asexual reproduction occurs through budding or fragmentation.

Environment

Coralliidae corals thrive in shallow, clear, and warm waters, typically in tropical and subtropical regions. They require sunlight for their symbiotic zooxanthellae to photosynthesize. Corals are found in a variety of environments, including:

• Coral reefs: Coralliidae corals are the primary builders of coral reefs, creating complex ecosystems that support a vast array of marine life.
• Lagoons: Some Coralliidae species can tolerate lower light levels and are found in protected lagoons.
• Rocky shores: Certain species can attach to rocky shores, extending their range beyond typical reef environments.

References

For further information on Coralliidae, consult these reliable sources:

• World Register of Marine Species
• Coral Reef Alliance
• National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)