Page 291 - Encyclopedia of Aquarium and Pond Fish, 3rd Edition

CORALS 289

Goniopora species
NIGHT BLOOMING
Flowerpot Coral
Corals may reproduce either asexually, by
ORIGINS Occurs widely throughout the Indo-Pacific, a process known as budding, or by sexual
from the Red Sea and East Africa to Fiji and Samoa. means, which enables them to spread farther
SIZE 8 in (20 cm). afield. The problem with sexual reproduction
DIET Plankton and symbiosis; good lighting conditions is that when a female coral releases an egg
are vital to ensure that the internal algae are healthy. (as shown here), the currents around the reef
WATER Temperature 77–79°F (25–26°C); alkaline make the chances of the egg’s coming into
(pH 8.1–8.3) with SG 1.020–1.024. contact with sperm relatively slight. To
improve the chances of fertilization, entire
coral populations simultaneously release their
gametes, using the lunar cycle to coordinate
this mass reproduction. In fact, they are so
prolific that the sea temporarily turns
white with eggs and sperm, greatly
increasing the likelihood of
fertilization. This phenomenon
is called night blooming.
The young coral larvae
drift away on the current
to colonize new reef areas.
The color of this stony coral varies, depending
on the color of the zooxanthellae in its polyps. If
gray blotches appear, however, this may signify the
onset of a serious illness. The polyps, which are
permanently extended, are long, delicate, and
featherlike. This coral likes strong currents and
bright lighting, but there is a risk that it may be
attacked by external algae under such conditions.

Xenia species Pocillopora damicornis
Pulsing Coral Cauliflower Coral This attractive coral is named after its cauliflower-
like growth pattern. The Cauliflower Coral varies
ORIGINS Ranges from the Red Sea eastward to the ORIGINS Extends from East Africa and the Red Sea from pinkish-blue to pure blue. Site this coral in
Indo-Pacific region, including the Philippines. throughout the Indo-Pacific region. the upper levels of the tank; on the reef, it
SIZE 3 ⁄2 in (8 cm). SIZE 4 in (10 cm). normally occurs close to the surface. As with all
1
DIET Mainly symbiotic; good lighting conditions are DIET Filter-feeder, requiring very fine particles of food stony corals, a special supplement containing
vital to ensure that the internal algae are healthy. that it can sift from the water. minerals, such as calcium, and trace elements,
WATER Temperature 77–79°F (25–26°C); alkaline WATER Temperature 77–79°F (25–26°C); alkaline including strontium, should be added to the water.
(pH 8.3) with SG 1.020–1.024. (pH 8.1–8.3) with SG 1.020–1.024.
Upright, branching
pattern of growth

A delicately branched appearance typifies this
treelike coral. The permanently extended polyps
move continuously during the daytime, not in
search of food but to create water currents that
will bring oxygen to the coral. As with other
corals that live by symbiosis, the Pulsing Coral
needs bright lighting and good water circulation.
Any nitrate in the water will harm this coral.

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