Pocilloporidae
The Pocilloporidae are a family of stony corals that are commonly known as branching corals or cauliflower corals. They are characterized by their complex, branching skeletons that resemble the shape of cauliflower. These corals are found in the Indo-Pacific region and the Red Sea, and they are an important part of the coral reef ecosystem.
Characteristics
Pocilloporidae corals are distinguished by their distinctive skeletal morphology. Their polyps, the individual animals that make up the coral colony, are embedded within a calcareous skeleton that branches and forms a complex, three-dimensional structure. The skeleton is typically covered by a thin layer of living tissue that contains zooxanthellae, single-celled algae that live in a symbiotic relationship with the coral. These algae provide the coral with food, while the coral provides the algae with a protected environment and nutrients.
Pocilloporidae corals are typically brightly colored, ranging from shades of brown, green, and orange to yellow and even white. The color is often determined by the type of zooxanthellae that the coral harbors. These corals also have a characteristic texture, with their skeletons covered in small, spiny projections. These projections are called corallites, and they house the individual polyps.
Environment
Pocilloporidae corals are found in a wide range of environments, including shallow reef flats, lagoon slopes, and seaward reefs. They thrive in warm, clear, and well-lit waters, and they are particularly abundant in the Indo-Pacific region. These corals are known for their ability to tolerate a wide range of environmental conditions, including variations in salinity, temperature, and water flow. They are also relatively tolerant of high levels of sedimentation.
Pocilloporidae corals play an important role in coral reef ecosystems. They provide habitat for a wide range of other marine organisms, including fish, invertebrates, and algae. They also help to stabilize the reef structure, protecting the coastline from erosion.