Green Millepora
Millepora live in fixed colonies connected to one another by tubular extensions of the body cavity, creating a calcareous skeleton. Millepora can be found at sea depths up to approximately 50 meters, but are usually found closer to the surface due to their need for light. Green Millepora paralyze their prey with their nematocysts, or stinging cells, then draw them into their mouth opening.
Green Millepora Behavior
Millepora are known by a more common name of "fire coral" because of their ability to sting their prey and occasionally humans. Green millepora live in colonies on reefs in tropical and subtropical atmospheres such as the Caribbean and the Florida Keys. Green millepora live attached to rocks and dead coral on reef in colonies, spread over an area of up to several meters at depths of up to 50 meters.
Stinging Capabilities Of Green Millepora
All millepora have dactylzooids which house the cnidarian stinging cells. Green millepora use these stinging cells to paralyze their prey, and also for protection. Divers who have experienced a painful sting (or know someone who has) will be very cautious about touching or disturbing the reefs to avoid the pain and blisters. This capability inadvertently helps to preserve endangered coral reefs.
Green Millepora In Aquariums
Millepora are a hardy coral, making it a favorite for people who keep a home or office saltwater aquarium. Green millepora are particularly beautiful for these purposes, with their evergreen to grass green hues that are pleasing to the eye and survive well in aquariums if proper water flow and light is maintained.
Economic Importance Of Green Millepora
Fire coral have no significant negative economic importance aside from their painful sting to humans (which is rarely more problematic than skin discomfort and burning, usually lasting less than 24 hours). The coral reef habitat of the Green Millepora are a very valuable economic resource in that it provides a very rich fishery by sustaining a consistent source of food and revenue. Also tourism, mostly via SCUBA divers and snorklers, is very profitable due to the beauty and diversity of the reefs.
Conservation Status Of Green Millepora
This species of fire coral lives on the coral reefs of the Caribbean, one of the most biologically diverse ecosystems on the planet. While the fire coral species are in no particular danger, the entire habitat, incuding green millepora, is very sensitive to over-fishing, human destruction and bleaching.
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