Turbinaria
Table of Contents
Turbinaria is a genus of stony corals belonging to the family Dendrophyllidae. They are also called disc corals, vase corals or pagoda corals. They are one of the three genus in this family that are zooxanthellate, meaning that they live in symbiosis with tiny photosynthetic organisms.
These stony large polyp corals get their name from the common disc shape form the colonies take. Most species have colonies less than 50 centimeters in diameter, although some can grow larger. Members of the genus Turbinaria form foliaceous colonies for the most part, with other shapes such as laminar, columnar even massive in rare cases. The colonies often form plates and discs, with the corallites being usually just a few millimeters in diameter. The corallites have porous walls which are usually sunk inside the skeletal tissue or coenosteum. The septa are orderly arranged, with broad collumelas. The majority of disc corals are nocturnal, although there are a few exceptions, such as T. peltata. These corals are hermatypic, meaning that they build reefs.
Most disc corals live in the Indo-Pacific region; species can be found from the Great Barrier Reef in Australia to East Africa, Samoa, Japan, South China Sea and the Red Sea. Since most of the species are zooxanthellate, they prefer shallow waters where light is abundant. However, some species are nocturnal, with most of them extending their tentacles at night to supplement their food.
Turbinaria species are quite common, with some notable species including T. bifrons, T. mesenterina, T. peltata, T. reniformis and T. stellulata. T. mesenterina has corallites which are about 2 mm in diameter, with colonies having interlocking plates. This species can often be found in Arabian sandy waters. T. peltata colonies can grow to several meters in diameter, with folliaceous or encrusting forms often overlapping in tiers. The tentacles of the polyps are thick and they can be up to 1 centimeter long. Colors are usually dark with shades of grey or brown. T. stellulata forms colonies which are encrusting and mostly flat, with star-shaped corallites.
These corals have two ways of feeding. They have the autotrophic dinoflagellate called zooxanthellae in their tissues, which are capable of photosynthesis. Most of the nutrients come from these unicellular protists, mainly organic carbon in the form of carbohydrates, nitrogen and others. In return these organisms have elevated support and access to more light. In deeper waters or shady places, these corals are also capable of heterotrophic feeding, meaning that they extend their tentacles they can use to feed on zooplankton organisms.
Just as with most other corals, the disc corals can reproduce sexually and asexually. The colonies are gonochoristic, meaning that a colony is either male or female. These colonies release huge amounts of gametes during spawning events, the most common being a few days to a week after the full moon in November. Turbinaria species can also reproduce asexually through extratentacular budding, where new polyps are formed between the polyps.
Turbinaria Coral: A Dive into the Underwater Marvels
Turbinaria corals, belonging to the family Dendrophylliidae, are fascinating marine organisms that create some of the most captivating underwater landscapes. These corals are not just visually striking but play a vital role in marine ecosystems. This article delves into the world of Turbinaria corals, exploring their unique characteristics, habitat, and the challenges they face.
Habitat and Distribution
Geographical Spread of Turbinaria
Turbinaria species, such as Turbinaria peltata and Turbinaria reniformis, are predominantly found in the Indo-Pacific region. These corals prefer shallow waters but can also thrive in depths of up to 20 meters. Turbinaria corals are adaptable, living in both reef slopes and lagoons. They contribute significantly to reef building, which is crucial for marine biodiversity.
Environmental Preferences
Turbinaria corals flourish in environments with moderate water movement and access to bright sunlight. They can tolerate a range of salinity and temperature conditions, which accounts for their wide distribution. However, like all corals, Turbinaria species are sensitive to extreme changes in water quality and temperature, which can lead to bleaching.
Physical Characteristics
Unique Morphology
Turbinaria corals are easily recognizable by their distinct turbinoid (spiral-like) or cup shapes. Their skeletal structure is robust, with colonies growing in either foliaceous (leaf-like) or encrusting forms. The coloration varies from yellow to green, depending on the zooxanthellae (symbiotic algae) present in their tissues.
Growth Patterns
The growth rate of Turbinaria corals is influenced by environmental factors like light and water quality. They exhibit both asexual and sexual reproduction methods, contributing to their resilience and adaptability. Fragmentation, a form of asexual reproduction, is common in these corals, helping them recover from physical damages.
Interaction with Marine Life
Role in the Ecosystem
Turbinaria corals are an integral part of reef ecosystems. They provide habitat and food for various marine species, including fish, crustaceans, and other invertebrates. Their complex structures offer shelter and breeding grounds, maintaining the biodiversity of reef systems.
Symbiotic Relationships
The symbiotic relationship between Turbinaria corals and zooxanthellae is vital for their survival. The algae perform photosynthesis, providing nutrients to the coral, while the coral offers a protected environment for the algae. This mutualistic relationship is crucial for the health and growth of Turbinaria corals.
Threats and Challenges
Impact of Climate Change
Climate change poses a significant threat to Turbinaria corals. Rising sea temperatures can lead to coral bleaching, where corals expel their symbiotic algae, leading to weakened health and potentially death. Ocean acidification, another consequence of climate change, hampers the coral’s ability to build their calcium carbonate skeletons.
Human Activities
Pollution, overfishing, and coastal development are other major threats to Turbinaria corals. Pollutants can damage coral tissues, reduce growth rates, and impair reproductive capabilities. Responsible human activities and conservation efforts are essential to protect these delicate ecosystems.
In conclusion, Turbinaria corals are not just stunning natural structures but are critical to the health and diversity of marine ecosystems. Understanding and protecting these corals is key to preserving our ocean’s biodiversity.
FAQs About Turbinaria Coral
1. What is the scientific classification of Turbinaria corals? Turbinaria corals belong to the family Dendrophylliidae. They are a genus of stony corals known for their distinct shapes and vital role in reef ecosystems.
2. How do Turbinaria corals contribute to marine ecosystems? Turbinaria corals provide habitat and food for a variety of marine species, aiding in biodiversity. Their complex structures offer shelter and breeding grounds for fish, crustaceans, and other invertebrates.
3. Can Turbinaria corals survive in varying environmental conditions? Yes, Turbinaria corals are adaptable and can thrive in a range of conditions. However, they are sensitive to extreme changes in water quality and temperature, which can lead to bleaching and other health issues.
4. What are the main threats to Turbinaria corals? The primary threats include climate change, leading to coral bleaching and ocean acidification, and human activities such as pollution, overfishing, and coastal development.
5. How do Turbinaria corals reproduce? Turbinaria corals exhibit both asexual and sexual reproduction methods. Asexual reproduction, such as fragmentation, allows them to recover from physical damages, while sexual reproduction contributes to genetic diversity and resilience.
