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

11. The Frogspawn Coral (Euphyllia divisa)

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Named for its amazing similarity to frog eggs, the Frogspawn Coral is a fascinating species exhibiting natural artistic ability. Large, branching colonies of this peculiar coral create many tiny, bubble-like polyps gathered at the end of each branch. The fast polyp extension and retraction capacity of the Frogspawn Coral distinguishes it especially. The polyps softly swing in the current when fully extended, giving a soft, fluffy look; but, when disturbed, they can rapidly retreat into the hard skeleton of the coral for cover. Among coral species, this quick reaction mechanism is among the fastest ones known. The Frogspawn Coral uses its strong stinging cells, or nematocysts, for protection and prey capture as well. For humans who come into touch with the coral, these stinging cells are so strong they can irritate skin. Though defensive, the Frogspawn Coral is a popular species in the trade of marine aquariums because of its quite hardy character and beautiful look. This species is rather essential in wild reef environments since it offers little fish and invertebrates cover. Still, the Frogspawn Coral suffers hazards from habitat destruction, ocean acidification, and climate change—just as many coral species do. To better grasp coral defence mechanisms and their uses in disciplines such pharmacology and materials science, scientists are examining the special properties of this coral including its fast polyp movement and strong nematocysts. Research on coral adaptation and conservation techniques finds the Frogspawn Coral to be an intriguing topic as well because of its fortitude against environmental stresses.

12. The Flowerpot Coral (Goniopora stokesi)

Rising from a strong foundation, the long, flowing polyps of the Flowerpot Coral really live up to their name—they resemble a lovely underwater bouquet. Renowned for possessing some of the longest polyps in the coral world—up to 7 cm from the base—this remarkable coral species The Flowerpot Coral is also unique in that it can drastically alter its look by totally withdrawing these lengthy polyps into its skeletal base upon disturbance. This fast retraction capacity provides a good protection against predators. Additionally distinctive in feeding behaviour is the Flowerpot Coral. Whereas most corals get their sustenance mostly from their symbiotic algae, the Flowerpot Coral is an active feeder, gathering zooplankton and other tiny animals from the water column using its long polyps. This feeding approach helps it to flourish in settings where low light or poor water quality could cause problems for other corals. The Flowerpot Coral's reproductive tactics are yet another fascinating feature. It can asexually by fragmentation and sexually by broadcast spawning. Strong water flows in the wild can break off tiny bits of the coral, which can then reconnect to the substrate and create fresh colonies. The Flowerpot Coral is a common choice for coral multiplication in reef restoration operations due in great part to this capacity. Climate change, ocean acidification, and collection for the aquarium trade all pose challenges to the Flowerpot Coral notwithstanding its fortacity. Research on this species will help scientists better grasp coral feeding systems and adaptability techniques, therefore offering important new perspectives for international coral protection initiatives.