The 15 Most Unusual Coral Species: #8 Will Astonish You!

5. The Elkhorn Coral (Acropora palmata)

Advertisement

One of the most remarkable and significant coral species in the Caribbean, the Elkhorn Coral boasts magnificent, antler-like branches extending like the horns of an elk. Underwater, this fast-growing coral can create large "forests" that serve many different marine life's necessary habitat. The fast pace of growth of the Elkhorn Coral and its capacity to resist heavy wave action in shallow waters set it apart especially. Among the coral species in the area, this one grows up to 5 inches annually, among the quickest ones. The unusual branching form of the Elkhorn Coral helps it to disperse wave energy, therefore shielding beaches from storm damage and erosion. Sadly, the Elkhorn Coral has struggled greatly in recent years, much as many coral species have. Particularly white band disease, illness epidemics have wiped off communities all around the Caribbean. Further stressing these corals have been pollution, ocean acidification, and climate change; these have resulted in their designation as highly endangered. Still, attempts at conservation are under way to safeguard and rebuild Elkhorn Coral numbers. Using creative methods like coral gardening—where bits of healthy coral are cultivated in nurseries and then relocated to deteriorated reef areas—scientists are In order to find resilient variants that would be more suited to thrive in evolving ocean circumstances, researchers are also looking at the genetic variation of Elkhorn Coral communities. Not only for the coral itself but also for the whole reef ecosystem this species supports, its recovery is vital.

6. The Mushroom Coral (Fungia fungites)

Real to its name, the Mushroom Coral looks like a massive underwater mushroom. Unique in its disc-like form and capacity to move—albeit slowly—this single coral species The Mushroom Coral distinguishes itself with an adult free-living way of life. While most corals stay tightly attached to their substrate all their lives, mature Mushroom Corals can disengage and gently travel around the sea floor. Their remarkable capacity lets them reposition themselves for improved access to food and light or avoid bad circumstances. Attached to the substrate, the Mushroom Coral begins its life; but, as it grows it forms a "stalk" that finally breaks free. Once released, the coral can fill its body with water to become buoyant and use mild currents to float to fresh sites. In places with great sedimentation, where the coral may raise itself above the silt to prevent suffocated conditions, this mobility is especially helpful. The unusual form of the Mushroom Coral also serves a function since its big, flat surface area maximises light availability for its symbiotic algae. With some specimens measuring up to 25 cm in diameter, these corals can get really big. Climate change, ocean acidification, and collection for the aquarium trade pose challenges to Mushroom Corals notwithstanding their resilience. Research on these corals will help scientists better grasp coral mobility and adaptive mechanisms, therefore offering insightful information for attempts at coral protection.