Blue Millepora
Millepora, or "fire coral," are widely distributed in tropical and subtropical waters. Blue Millepora can be found in the Caribbean waters and throughout the Atlantic Ocean. They appear as small brush-like growths on rocks and coral, and and exist as small sea anemone-like polyps, typically in colonies of many identical individuals.
Blue Millepora Stinging Effects
Fire corals get their name because of the tiny tentacles that protrude from numerous surface pores on Blue Millepora. The painful stings are inflicted using cnidae, or stinging thread, which are released from its cnidoblast. These cnidae are mainly used for prey capture and defense, but can cause painful burning to SCUBA divers and snorklers who come in contact with them.
Bleaching and Zooxanthellae of Blue Millepora
Blue Millepora possess symbiotic zooxanthellae algae like those of the hermatypic corals. They exchange their photosynthate to the Millepora for use as energy and in return the zooxanthellae have somewhere to live and thrive. However, the possession of zooxanthellae also means that Blue Millepora are susceptible to bleaching. This can also be exacerbated by a period of elevated sea water temperature. The bleaching was more prevalent at sites in the outer rim reefs than in the lagoonal patch reefs.
Blue Millepora Growth
It is believed that all Blue Millepora starts all of its growth forms with a universal beginning, which is encrusting. These encrustations occur at all depths and will appear to grow on any suitable substrate, like ship wrecks, corals, and the reef. The growth rates of Blue Millepora vary based on the strength of the wave action and the depth of the coral's location.
Blue Millepora Habitats
Millepora are common members of the Caribbean reefs. Blue millepora occupy shallow reefs where they cover many different substrates. They are a favorite amongst divers and snorklers because of their beautiful blue color. Blue millepora can be found at depths as deep as fifty meters, but are generally closer to the surface due to their light requirements.
Blue Millepora Reproduction
Millepora can reproduce in a few different ways. One way is fragmentation, which is a small piece of the Blue Millepora broken off from the colony and then re-colonizing on sufficient substratum. Millepora are infrequent breeders, but can disperse short-lived medusae bearing gametes into the water column. Once fertilized, a planulae is formed and the life cycle reflects that of all cnidarians.
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