Galaxea astreata

Source: Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia.

Gallery

Galaxea astreata
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Domain: Eukaryota
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Cnidaria
Class: Hexacorallia
Order: Scleractinia
Family: Euphylliidae
Genus: Galaxea
Species:
G. astreata
Binomial name
Galaxea astreata
(Lamarck, 1816)
Synonyms
List
  • Anthophyllum clavus Dana, 1846
  • Anthophyllum musicale (Linnaeus, 1767)
  • Caryophyllia astreata Lamarck, 1816
  • Galaxea clavus Dana, 1846
  • Galaxea musicalis (Linnaeus, 1767)
  • Galaxea negrensis Nemenzo, 1979
  • Galaxea susanae Nemenzo & Ferraris, 1982
  • Madrepora musicale Linnaeus, 1767

Overview

(Lamark, 1816)

Galaxea astreata is a common and cosmopolitan large polyp scleractinian coral, (stony, hard coral) in the family Euphylliidae. It has a sub-massive morphology. It is found in the Indo-Pacific[2] and is the most abundant coral species in Xuwen Coral Reef National Nature Reserve. G. astreata is acclimatized to water temperatures ranging from about 27 ± 0.5 °C.[3] It is generally a shallow-water coral and is commonly seen at a depth of around 15 meters. It can range from a depth of 1 meter to 30 meters.[4] It generally prefers clear, salt waters over turbid brackish waters.[5]

Description

Galaxea astreata has a very distinctive skeleton structure, which is made of calcium carbonate (CaCO3). Corallites, the skeletal cup formed by individual polyps, are very plate-like. They are about 3-4.5 in diameter. They are also well spaced.[6] The coral can has a symbiotic relationship with zooxanthellae living inside of the coral.[5] Colonies of G. astreata are either sub-massive, columnar, or encrusting, meaning they can either be irregularly shaped, growing upward like columns, or impinging on a hard substrate. Colonies can grow to be over two meters long. The polyps are usually found to be pink, grey, green, or brown in color.[6]

Feeding

Galaxea astreata eat zooplankton and coral larvae that float by. Corals tend to feed at night since planktivorous fishes are sleeping. G. astreata expands its polyps to feed during the day, and contracts them at night. It is an effective predator, and like other massive growth forms, G. astreata will be an even more efficient when the larvae starts sinking in the water column so that it is easier for the coral to catch.[7]

Reproduction

Galaxea astreata is a broadcast spawner, as gametes are released into the water for external fertilization. After the gamete is fertilized, the planulae, or the larval form of the coral, develops inside the plankton.[5] G. astreata can either be a hermaphrodite, having both male and female gametes, or a gonochore, having gametes of only one sex.[5]

Threats and Coral Bleaching

The coral coverage rate in Xuwen rapidly decreased due to human activity and other environmental factors causing a decline in the G. astreata.

global climate change and rising ocean temperatures, as well as ocean acidification.[12]

References

  1. ^ Hoeksema, B., Rogers, A. & Quibilan, M. 2008. Galaxea astreata. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Version 2016.1.
  2. PMID 28938722
    .
  3. PMID 30105591
    .
  4. ^ "IUCN Red List of Threatened Species: Galaxea astreata". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. 2008-01-01. Retrieved 2020-04-12.
  5. ^ a b c d "Coral Trait Database | Galaxea astreata". coraltraits.org. Retrieved 2020-04-10.
  6. ^ a b "WoRMS - World Register of Marine Species - Galaxea astreata (Lamarck, 1816)". Retrieved March 28, 2020.
  7. S2CID 35809820
    .
  8. ^ Shen, C; Liu, CW; Liu, L. "Heat-induced stress genes Hsp70, Hsp90 and chloroplast psaA and psbA gene expressions of Galaxea astreata endosymbiotic zooxanthella revealing the ability of tolerance and recovery". J Trop Oceanogr: 35:72–78.
  9. S2CID 42611747
    .
  10. PMID 30105591
    .
  11. ^ Obura, D. O. "Differential bleaching and mortality of eastern African corals." WIOMSA, 2001.
  12. ^
    ISSN 1461-0248
    .
Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Galaxea_astreata&oldid=1177441007"