Fire corals  (Millepora spp.)

Authentication

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Glossary

  • Asexually: relating to asexual reproduction: reproduction that does not involve the formation of sex cells, such as sperm and eggs. Asexual reproduction only involves one parent, and all the offspring produced by asexual reproduction are identical to one another.
  • Colonies: relating to corals: corals composed of numerous genetically identical individuals (also referred to as zooids or polyps), which are produced by budding and remain physiologically connected.
  • Fragmentation: fragmentation is a form of asexual reproduction where a new organism grows from a fragment of the parent. Each fragment develops into a mature, fully grown individual.
  • Larvae: relating to corals: the stages of development before settlement on the reef. Larvae are typically very different in appearance to adults; they are able to feed and move around but usually are unable to reproduce.
  • Photosynthesis: metabolic process characteristic of plants in which carbon dioxide is broken down, using energy from sunlight absorbed by the green pigment chlorophyll. Organic compounds are made and oxygen is given off as a by-product.
  • Polyps: typically sedentary soft-bodied component of Cnidaria (corals, sea pens etc), which comprise of a trunk that is fixed at the base; the mouth is placed at the opposite end of the trunk, and is surrounded by tentacles.
  • Symbiotic: describing a close relationship between two organisms. This term usually refers to a relationship that benefits both organisms.

References

  1. CITES (June, 2007)
    http://www.cites.org
  2. Veron, J.E.N. (2000) Corals of the World. Vol. 3.Australian Institute of Marine Sciences, Townsville, Australia.
  3. Veron, J.E.N. (1986) Corals of Australia and the Indo-Pacific.Angus and Robertson Publishers, UK.
  4. Borneman, E.H. (2001) Aquarium corals; Selection, Husbandry and Natural History.T.F.H. Publications, New Jersey, USA.
  5. Wood, E.M. (1983) Reef corals of the world: biology and field guide.T.F.H. Publications, New Jersey, USA.
  6. Wilkinson, C. (2004) Status of Coral Reefs of the World.Australian Institute of Marine Science, Townsville, Australia.
  7. Gasparini, J.L., Floeter, S.R., Ferreira, C.E.L. and Sazima, I. (2005) Marine ornamental trade in Brazil. Biodiversity and Conservation, 14: 2883 - 2899.
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