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Coral Reef Ecosystem
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Flashcards
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Staghorn Coral
A type of branching coral that serves as an important habitat for reef fish and invertebrates.
Brain Coral
A massive coral known for its grooved surface resembling a brain, which contributes to the structural complexity of the reef.
Parrotfish
A colorful fish species that plays a key role in bioerosion and helps to prevent algal overgrowth on corals.
Clownfish
A small, brightly colored fish known for its mutualistic relationship with sea anemones.
Elkhorn Coral
A critically endangered branching coral that is a major reef builder in the Caribbean.
Zooxanthellae
Symbiotic algae living within coral tissues that provide essential nutrients to the corals through photosynthesis.
Crown-of-Thorns Starfish
A coral-eating starfish that can cause significant damage to reef structures if populations are left unchecked.
Blue Tang
A reef fish species important for algae control and known for its bright blue coloration.
Coral Polyps
Small, anemone-like organisms that make up corals and secrete calcium carbonate to form the reef structure.
Sea Fan
A type of soft coral that filters plankton from the water and provides habitat for many small marine organisms.
Fire Coral
A coral-like organism that can cause painful stings, it is actually more closely related to jellyfish and anemones.
Cleaner Shrimp
A small crustacean that removes parasites and dead skin from fish, contributing to the health of reef fish populations.
Coral Bleaching
A phenomenon where coral polyps expel their zooxanthellae due to stress, causing the coral to turn white and making it more vulnerable to disease and death.
Mangroves
Trees that grow in coastal saline water, providing important nursery habitats for many fish species and helping to protect shorelines from erosion.
Spiny Lobster
A large crustacean found in coral reef ecosystems that lacks large pinching claws but is important as both a predator and prey species.
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