Acropora Florida
One of the world's most common reef building coral is the acropora Florida coral, a coral that is extremely dominant in the warm water reefs around Florida and the Caribbean. The acropora Florida species is one of only three acropora species that can be found in the Atlantic and Caribbean ocean regions.
Acropora Florida Common Names
Also known as branching staghorn or staghorn acropora, the acropora Florida species features corals whose thick branches are enveloped by ones much shorter in size. The natural coloring of the acropora Florida species includes specimens that are pink and brown, yellow and brown, as well as green.
Acropora Florida In The Reef Aquarium
In nature, the acropora Florida coral is found in waters that range from 66F to 86F, and are easily stressed if temperatures become only a few degrees cooler or warmer. For these reasons, home aquarium water temperature is a critical element in maintaining a healthy, thriving acropora Florida specimen. It is important to remember that the acropora Florida coral is extremely sensitive to sediment, mainly because of its inability to effectively remove the excess material from its surface. One way to avoid this buildup is to eliminate excess nutrients from the tank water, in addition to preventing algal blooms from growing in the tank.
Acropora Florida And Photosynthesis
Like many corals that populate the world's oceans, the acropora Florida species depend on its symbiotic relationship with microscopic algae underneath its tissue to produce energy and nutrients. Acropora Florida corals use the nutrients that are passed on from photosynthesis to create its skeletons and ultimately, its entire reef system. To ensure this process occurs, acropora Florida corals need constant access to sunlight, as much as 60 to 100% depending on its exact geographical location.
Dangers To Acropora Florida
Because the acropora Florida species dwells in shallow waters that are typically areas of strong currents and high-energy wave zones, environmental factors can be detrimental to the acropora Florida species Periods of rough water, such as major storms and hurricanes, can break the fragile branches of acropora Florida corals. However, since acropora Florida corals reproduce through fragmentation, these incidents are not always a bad thing.
Environmental Threats To Acropora Florida
In the recent years, global warming has threatened corals all over the world, and the acropora Florida species is no exception. Increasing temperatures put a large amount of stress on the acropora Florida coral, leading to widespread mortality among the reef population. This process is technically referred to as bleaching, and occurs when the microscopic photosynthetic algae leave its host, causing the acropora Florida coral to turn white and become unable to access critical nutrients and energy.
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