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The colorful world of fire corals: Why are their colors so striking?
Fire coral (Millepora) is a colonial organism that lives in the ocean and looks similar to coral, but is not actually a true coral. This makes fire corals unique in biological classification, closer to Hydra and other hydrozoans, and therefore classified as hydrocorals. In nature, fire corals range in color from bright yellow and orange to even brown, green and blue, creating a spectacular sight underwater.
The color of fire coral is not only visually gorgeous, but also an important symbol of its survival and reproduction in the ecosystem.
Fire corals grow in a variety of forms, including branching, plate-like, and attached growth patterns. Among them, the structure of branching fire coral appears like rounded fingertips, while the plate fire coral looks like thin sheets reminiscent of lettuce coral. Fire corals reproduce in a more complex way than other corals, starting with the release of eggs from a multicellular medusa, which are then fertilized by male medusa and eventually form planktonic larvae that can settle on a suitable surface. The cycle repeats itself.
Habitat and Predators
Fire corals are commonly found in shallow coral reefs in tropical and subtropical areas such as the Indian, Pacific and Atlantic Oceans and the Caribbean Sea. These areas receive ample sunlight, which promotes photosynthesis in the symbiotic algae that inhabit the fire corals. However, their survival is also threatened by predation from fire worms, some nudibranchs and fish.
Biology and Behavior
The polyps of fire corals are almost microscopic, connected to and embedded in their skeletons. The only surface visible to the naked eye is a collection of holes of varying sizes, including small holes (gastropores) and tentacle holes (dactylopores). These tentacle holes contain small neural structures that can hunt prey, similar to the stinging cells of jellyfish. Symbiotic relationships are particularly important in the lives of fire corals, which obtain essential nutrients through symbiotic organisms called algae.
Stab wounds, symptoms and treatment
Contact with fire corals usually results in severe pain that can last for days or weeks. Fire coral stings may cause skin irritation, inflammation, and redness, but are relatively mildly toxic to humans. Many experts recommend that if you experience a fire coral sting, you should immediately rinse with seawater and try to avoid using fresh water, as fresh water can lead to increased toxin release.
Threats and Conservation
The survival of fire corals is affected by global climate change, and their habitats face threats such as overfishing and pollution. The intensification of coral bleaching not only affects their survival, but also causes harm to the entire ecosystem. When fire corals no longer have healthy symbiotic algae, they cannot obtain enough energy, leading to bleaching and even death. In order to protect this unique ecology, the protection of fire coral is imminent.
Species identification
Sixteen species of fire coral have been identified, each distinct from the others, demonstrating their diverse biology and adaptability. As research deepens, people have a deeper understanding of the importance of its behavior and ecology.
No matter how colorful fire corals are, will their ecological niche change due to environmental changes?
