Thin birdsnest coral
A branching stony coral that forms bushy clumps in shallow Indo-Pacific reefs.
Seriatopora hystrix, commonly known as thin birdsnest coral, is a colonial stony coral in the family Pocilloporidae. It forms tangled, bushy clumps of fragile, slender, tapering branches with pointed tips and is found in shallow water on fore-reef slopes or in sheltered lagoons. This species is native to East Africa, the Red Sea, and the western Indo-Pacific region, and is notable for its high growth rate, high reproductive output, and role as an early colonizer of disturbed reef areas.
Quick Facts
- Taxon
- Seriatopora hystrix
Facts from the source article.
Lore & Background
Colonies of Seriatopora hystrix form a tangled, bushy clump of fragile, slender, tapering branches with pointed tips, which can grow to a metre across. In shallow positions with strong water movement, the branches are thicker than in deeper or turbid habitats. The corallites form neat rows of oval cup-shaped depressions with raised rims, from which polyps protrude at night. This coral can be cream, pink, yellow, brown, or blue. Its range extends from East Africa, Madagascar, and the Red Sea through the Indian Ocean to tropical Australia, Japan, the South China Sea, and island groups in the West and Central Pacific. It occurs on reefs and reef flats, mostly at depths between 3 and 15 m. Seriatopora hystrix is a hermaphrodite, with mature polyps producing both sperm and eggs. Sperm are liberated into the sea and drawn into other polyps, and developing larvae are brooded maternally; self-fertilisation may be an important strategy. Larvae settle within about 24 hours, suggesting limited dispersal, though some may be swept further by warm currents. Asexual reproduction occurs via fragments that detach and form new colonies, and under stress, 'polyp bail-out' can allow individual polyps to detach and found new colonies. The coral houses symbiotic dinoflagellates, which are transferred during larval brooding.
Reader's Guide
Seriatopora hystrix is a zooxanthellate coral, housing symbiotic dinoflagellates within its tissues; these symbionts are transferred during larval brooding, and different species of Symbiodinium are associated with the coral in different parts of its range, suggesting coevolution and specialization. The coral exhibits a high growth rate, high reproductive output, and a short life-span, making it a very successful species that is often the first scleractinian coral to colonise a disturbed area. Its tangled, bushy form provides habitat for other animals. A number of symbiotic decapod crustaceans find shelter and protection here, also obtaining food in the form of mucus secreted by the coral. Two species of alpheid shrimps and three species of xanthid crabs are thought to be obligate symbionts, not found living anywhere else. The coral benefits from their presence as they may attack and prevent predators from feeding on the coral. Any one coral colony is likely to house a single species of symbiotic crustacean, but a large colony may house two species. Threats include ocean acidification, climate change, and habitat loss. It is gathered for the reef aquarium trade; in 2005, the total number of pieces exported worldwide was about 15,000. Despite these pressures, S. hystrix has a wide range and is a common species, and may be more resilient than other corals. The International Union for Conservation of Nature has assessed its conservation status as 'Vulnerable'.
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