Caulastrea furcata

Caulastrea furcata
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Caulastrea furcata
Scientific classification
Kingdom:	Animalia
Phylum:	Cnidaria
Class:	Anthozoa
Subclass:	Hexacorallia
Order:	Scleractinia
Family:	Merulinidae
Genus:	Caulastraea
Species:	C. furcata
Binomial name
Caulastrea furcata (Dana, 1846)

The Candy Cane Coral, also known as Trumpet, or Bullseye Coral, is a species of large stony corals in the family Merulinidae.

Description

Caulastrea furcata skeletal structure consist of tubular stalks with stars on each tip. As in other colony-forming corals, colonies of Caulastrea furcata are made up of several small polyps. These soft-bodied animals are related to anemones. Each poly bears relatively short tentacles that direct food into its central mouth. Then the food is digested in a sac-like body cavity. This species is often green, yellow, or greenish brown. The polyps will fluoresce under actinic lighting.

Distribution

Caulastrea furcata can be found in the Indo-Pacific from Fiji to Australia and possibly further west toward Thailand.

Ecology

This species is usually found in protected reef slopes where the substrate is partly sandy, where it will form extensive single species stands, sometimes over 5 metres across. It has been recorded to depths of at least 30 metres, and may also be found in lagoons.

Diet

Caulastrea furcata usually obtains most of its nutrient requirements from the photosynthesis of the single-celled algae called zooxanthellae living in its tissue. However, this coral will also feed on zooplankton.