Mushroom coral (Heliofungia actiniformis)

Description

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Mushroom coral fact file

• Description
• Biology
• Range
• Habitat
• Status
• Threats
• Conservation
• Find out more
• Glossary
• References
• Print factsheet

Mushroom coral description

Rather than forming colonies like most other corals, this mushroom coral (Heliofungia actiniformis) is solitary and free-living; that is, it is not attached to the substrate (except for juveniles). The coral is flat with a large central mouth. The soft tissue surrounding the mouth is striped. The long dark purple or green tentacles with pale tips are extended day and night, and are similar to those of giant anemones. Very young Heliofungia (called acanthocauli) bear little resemblance to the adult form; they are shaped like flattened discs and are attached to the substrate via a stalk. Their resemblance to mushrooms gives these corals their common name. Heliofungia actiniformis used to be considered part of the Fungia genus, however, whilst the skeletons and habitat are very similar, they differ in their polyp structure ⁽³⁾.

Mushroom coral biology

Heliofungia corals can reproduce sexually or asexually. During sexual reproduction, eggs and sperm are released into the water, where the fertilised egg develops into larvae. Within a fortnight, the larvae will settle on to hard substrate. Asexually reproduced young coral, or acanthocauli, can develop from partly buried, damaged or dying parent tissue. Either way, the result is a vase-shaped polyp that gradually grows into a flattened disc, attached to the substrate via a stalk. The stalk of the ‘mushroom’ eventually dissolves, and the coral becomes mobile. The newly mobile coral rests on the bottom where it will mature and reproduce ^{(3) (4)}.

Heliofungia have microscopic algae (zooxanthellae) living within their tissues. Through photosynthesis, these symbiotic algae produce energy-rich molecules that the coral polyps can use as nutrition. In addition, the large polyps can use their long tentacles to capture prey ⁽⁵⁾

Mushroom coral range

This mushroom coral occurs around Indonesia, the Philippines and Australia ⁽⁴⁾.

Mushroom coral habitat

Heliofungia actiniformis is usually found on flat, soft or rubble substrates especially in reef lagoons or shallow turbid environments ⁽³⁾.

Mushroom coral status

This mushroom coral is classified as Vulnerable (VU) on the IUCN Red List ⁽¹⁾, and is listed on Appendix II of CITES ⁽²⁾.

Mushroom coral threats

Heliofungia corals face the many threats that are impacting coral reefs globally. It is estimated that 20 percent of the world’s coral reefs have already been effectively destroyed and show no immediate prospects of recovery, and 24 percent of the world’s reefs are under imminent risk of collapse due to human pressures. These human impacts include poor land management practices that are releasing more sediment, nutrients and pollutants into the oceans and stressing the fragile reef ecosystem. Over fishing has ‘knock-on’ effects that results in the increase of macro-algae that can out-compete and smother corals, and fishing using destructive methods physically devastates the reef. A further potential threat is the increase of coral bleaching events, as a result of global climate change ⁽⁶⁾. Harvesting of corals may also pose a threat to Heliofungia. This species is one of the top ten species in the live coral trade, as its large, colourful polyps make it a desirable species in aquariums ⁽⁷⁾. However, it has a poor survival record in aquarium conditions as it is very sensitive ⁽⁸⁾, and therefore it may be need to be replaced frequently, resulting in greater demand for harvesting than other, more robust species.

Mushroom coral conservation

Heliofungia corals are listed on Appendix II of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES), which means that trade in this species should be carefully regulated ⁽²⁾. Indonesia and Fiji have export quotas in place for this species ⁽²⁾. Heliofungia corals will form part of the marine community in many marine protected areas (MPAs), which offer coral reefs a degree of protection, and there are many calls from non-governmental organisations for larger MPAs to ensure the persistence of these unique and fascinating ecosystems ⁽⁶⁾.

View information on this species at the UNEP World Conservation Monitoring Centre.

Find out more

For further information on this species:

• Veron, J.E.N. (1986) Corals of Australia and the Indo-Pacific. Angus and Robertson Publishers, UK.
• EDGE of Existence:
  http://www.edgeofexistence.org/coral_reef/species_info.php?id=1840

For further information on the conservation of coral reefs:

• Reef Check:
  http://arkive-admin/www.reefcheck.org
• The Coral Reef Alliance:
  http://www.coralreefalliance.org

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Glossary

Algae

Simple plants that lack roots, stems and leaves but contain the green pigment chlorophyll. Most occur in marine and freshwater habitats.

Asexually reproduced

Offspring produced via a method of 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.

Larvae

Stage in an animal’s lifecycle after it hatches from the egg. Larvae are typically very different in appearance to adults; they are able to feed and move around but usually are unable to reproduce.

Photosynthesis

A 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.

Polyp

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.

Sexual reproduction

A form of reproduction that involves fertilization of a female cell or egg, by a male sperm. It usually involves two parents, one of either sex, but in some species individuals are hermaphrodite (possess both male and female sex organs).

Symbiotic

Describing a close relationship between two organisms. This term usually refers to a relationship that benefits both organisms.

References

1. IUCN Red List (April, 2011)
   http://www.iucnredlist.org/
2. CITES (June, 2007)
   http://www.cites.org
3. Veron, J.E.N. (1986) Corals of Australia and the Indo-Pacific. Angus and Robertson Publishers, UK.
4. Corrochano, V.R. (1996) Gua de identificatin de conchas y corales includios en el convenio de Washington. Ministerio de Comercio y Turismo, Spain.
5. Borneman, E.H. (2001) Aquarium corals; Selection, Husbandry and Natural History. 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. Green, E. and Shirley, F. (1999) The Global Trade in Corals. World Conservation Press, Cambridge, UK.
8. Wabnitz, C., Taylor, M., Green, E. and Razak, T. (2003) From Ocean to Aquarium. UNEP-WCMC, Cambridge, UK.