Caulastrea furcata

Caulastrea furcata
Caulastrea furcata
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Cnidaria
Class: Anthozoa
Subclass: Hexacorallia
Order: Scleractinia
Family: Merulinidae
Genus: Caulastraea
Species: C. furcata
Binomial name
Caulastrea furcata
(Dana, 1846)

The Candy Cane Coral, also known as Trumpet, or Bullseye Coral, is a species of large stony corals in the family Merulinidae.[1]

Description

Caulastrea furcata skeletal structure consist of tubular stalks with stars on each tip. As in other colony-forming corals, colonies of Caulastrea furcata are made up of several small polyps. These soft-bodied animals are related to anemones. Each poly bears relatively short tentacles that direct food into its central mouth. Then the food is digested in a sac-like body cavity. This species is often green, yellow, or greenish brown. The polyps will fluoresce under actinic lighting.[2][3]

Distribution

Caulastrea furcata can be found in the Indo-Pacific from Fiji to Australia and possibly further west toward Thailand.[4][5]

Ecology

This species is usually found in protected reef slopes where the substrate is partly sandy, where it will form extensive single species stands, sometimes over 5 metres across. It has been recorded to depths of at least 30 metres, and may also be found in lagoons.[6][7][8]

Diet

Caulastrea furcata usually obtains most of its nutrient requirements from the photosynthesis of the single-celled algae called zooxanthellae living in its tissue. However, this coral will also feed on zooplankton.[9]

References

  1. ↑ http://www.liveaquaria.com/product/prod_display.cfm?c=597+321+454&pcatid=454
  2. ↑ http://www.liveaquaria.com/product/prod_display.cfm?c=597+321+454&pcatid=454
  3. ↑ http://www.arkive.org/caulastrea/caulastrea-furcata/
  4. ↑ http://coral.aims.gov.au/factsheet.jsp?speciesCode=0112
  5. ↑ http://www.liveaquaria.com/product/prod_display.cfm?c=597+321+454&pcatid=454
  6. ↑ http://coral.aims.gov.au/factsheet.jsp?speciesCode=0112
  7. ↑ Veron, J.E.N. (2000) Corals of the World. Australian Institute of Marine Science, Townville, Australia.
  8. ↑ Dai, C.F. and Horng, S. (2009) Scleractinia Fauna of Taiwan. II. The Robust Group. National Taiwan University Press, Taipei, Taiwan.
  9. ↑ http://www.arkive.org/caulastrea/caulastrea-furcata/
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