Page 290 - Encyclopedia of Aquarium and Pond Fish, 3rd Edition

288 MARINE INVERTEBRATES DIRECTORY

CORALS

Corals form the centerpiece of any reef aquarium.
A coral is a colony of linked organisms called polyps.
In stony corals, which form the foundation of the reef,
the polyps have a hard body casing of calcium carbonate,
while the polyps of soft corals are supported by a less
rigid calcareous structure. Corals need plenty of space,
and overcrowding will hinder their growth. Many
corals contain symbiotic zooxanthellae (algae). When
the algae photosynthesize, they provide food for both
themselves and the coral, so good lighting in the tank
is vital. If a piece of coral breaks off, it can be used to
establish a new colony elsewhere in the tank.
The polyps of the Cauliflower Coral (Pocillopora damicornis) are
shown here in close-up. Corals can be identified by their polyp
shape, which is a relatively consistent feature within each species.
Coloration, which can be much more variable, is a less reliable guide.

Plerogyra sinuosa Tubastrea aurea Lobophyllia hemprichii
Bubble Coral Orange Polyp Coral Lobed Brain Coral

ORIGINS Extends from the Red Sea eastward through ORIGINS Widely distributed on reefs throughout the ORIGINS From East Africa and the Red Sea, via the Indo-
the entire Indo-Pacific region to Samoa. Indo-Pacific region. Pacific, to the Marshall Islands in the east.
SIZE 39 in (100 cm). SIZE 4 in (10 cm). SIZE 16 in (40 cm).
DIET Symbiotic, with internal algae providing food. DIET Shrimp and other meat-based foods. Drop tiny DIET Symbiotic, with internal algae producing nutrients.
Will also feed on plankton and brine shrimp. pieces of food into the open coral heads. Will take small amounts of a proprietary food.
WATER Temperature 77–79°F (25–26°C); alkaline WATER Temperature 77–79°F (25–26°C); alkaline WATER Temperature 77–79°F (25–26°C); alkaline
(pH 8.1–8.3) with SG 1.020–1.024. (pH 8.1–8.3) with SG 1.020–1.024. (pH 8.1–8.3) with SG 1.020–1.024.
Inhabiting fairly exposed areas of the reef, these A twisting, involuted appearance characterizes
corals have a relatively low, compact shape that Lobed Brain Corals, which can grow to a large
helps to protect them from damage. Bubble Corals, size. Their coloration ranges from grayish-blue to
which sometimes form massive colonies, are green to deep red. These stony corals are found
nocturnal creatures, only putting out their polyps on deeper parts of the reef and are nocturnal in
in search of small prey after dark. White stripes habit. When feeding Lobed Brain Corals, it helps
across the individual bubblelike swellings indicate to use a pipette so that the food can be placed
the location of the stinging cells, or nematocysts. directly in the vicinity of the coral.

A stunning appearance and simple care needs make
this orange coral an ideal choice for home aquariums.
After transfer to a new tank, the polyps may
remain closed for a week. Because Orange Polyp
Corals inhabit shady areas, their bodies lack
symbiotic algae, so they feed by catching food with
their tentacles. Reproduction is asexual, with new
polyps budding off from the base of existing ones.

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