Brain coral, also known as Diploastrea heliopora, is a type of coral that can live for up to 900 years and can reach heights of up to six feet. It has a unique brain-like appearance, which is why it was given its name. Brain coral is found in many parts of the world, but especally in the Dry Tortugas off the coast of Florida.
Brain coral’s grooved surface has been studied by scientists to find ways to give spherical wheels adequate grip strength. The grooves help make them more efficient in movement and prevent slipping or sliding.
These corals are Cnidarians, which are stinging celled animals and have venomous nematocysts that inject venom when touched. Despite this, they are not poisonous and actually form the basis for many reefs.
Brain coral is highly sought after in the aquarium hobby due to its rare appearance and geometric arrangement of striated corallites. They are relatively slow-growing so it takes time for them to reach their full height and beauty, but it’s worth it in the end!
The brain coral’s long lifespan, striking look, and interesting behavior make them fascinating creatures that you can admire from afar without worrying about getting stung!
The Use of Brain Coral
Brain coral is a type of stony coral which is found in tropical and subtropical oceans around the world. It has a unique, grooved surface which is used for a variety of purposes. For example, the grooves in brain coral have been studied by scientists to investigate methods of providing spherical wheels with appropriate grip strength. Brain coral is also widely harvested for its hard skeleton, which is made into jewellery, ornaments, and decorative objects. Additionally, brain coral provides a habitat for oher organisms, such as algae and fish. Finally, brain coral can also be used to help protect beaches from erosion due to storm waves.
Source: oceana.org
Are Brain Corals Poisonous?
No, brain corals are not toxic. They are venomous, however, due to the presence of nematocysts that inject venom into unsuspecting victims when touched. Brain corals belong to the Cnidarian family, which is a group of stinging-celled animals. While not poisonous, caution should be taken when handling or interacting with these corals as their venom can cause irritation and discomfort to humans.
Is a Brain Coral Living?
Yes, a brain coral is definitely alive. Brain corals belong to the family of large polyp stony (LPS) corals, which are living organisms that require sunlight, water, and food to survive. They contain a symbiotic relationship with tiny algae known as zooxanthellae that live inside them and proide energy for the coral. The coral also uses its tentacles to capture food from the surrounding environment. In addition to needing sunlight and food, brain corals require strong water flow and adequate levels of nutrients in the water in order to survive. They can grow up to six feet tall and live for up to 900 years!
Are Brain Corals Rare?
Yes, brain corals are considered rare in the aquarium hobby. Hexagon Brain Corals, in particular, are paticularly sought-after due to their unique and stunning appearance. They are the only coral of their Genus, Diploastrea heliopora, which makes them even rarer. Brain corals can be difficult to find in the wild and even harder to come by in an aquarium setting as they require precise water parameters and tank conditions to thrive.
Does Brain Coral Produce Oxygen?
Yes, brain coral does give off oxygen. It produces bubbles that refill ten units of oxygen each. This oxygen is released into the surrounding water, providing a source of oxygen for other marine organisms and helping to maintain healthy ocean ecosystems. Brain coral can also be harvested for its samples and replanted in the Exterior Growbed or Alien Containment, making it a valuable resource for aquarists and scientists alike.
The Cost of Brain Coral
Brain coral can be a great addition to any saltwater aquarium, and the cost of brain coral can vary depending on the type that you choose. Generally, Acanthastrea lordhowensis will cost around $99.99, while Cyphastrea spp. will cost around $29.99. For a red Open Brain Coral, Trachyphyllia geoffroyi costs around $89.99 and a red Symphyllia spp. will cost around $59.99. The price of brain coral can also vary depending on the size, age or rarity of the specimen, so it is important to research different types and prices beore making your purchase.
The Age of the Oldest Brain Coral
The oldest known brain coral is estimated to be 2,000 years old and was discovered off the shore of Speyside on the east coast of Tobago in the Caribbean. Brain corals are usually a dull brownish-grey color and get their name from their shape, which is reminiscent of a human brain. This particular specimen was an impressive 18 feet wide! Brain coral typically grows at a rate of 1 centimeter per year, so this 2,000 year old example gives us an incredible snapshot into the past.
The Growth Rate of Brain Coral
Brain coral grows very slowly, with each structure typically growing only a few millimeters per year. This slow growth rate means that a brain coral can live for hundreds of years and may even be thousands of years old. Brain coral colonies are made up of multiple genetically identical animals living together, and they all grow at the same rate.
Source: hurghadalovers.com
Do Brain Corals Remain Stationary?
No, brain corals do not float. They are stony corals that attach themselves to the substrate, or seabed, and form large colonies. Instead of floating in the water, brain corals extract their nutrients from the surrounding seawater using their tentacles. They also receive additional nutrition from algae that live within their tissues. Brain corals use their tentacles to clean the coral surface from sand and other debris, just like hands.
Is Brain Coral Related to Sponges?
No, brain coral (Diploria labyrinthiformis) is not a sponge. It belongs to the Phylum Cnidaria—the same phylum as jellyfish and anemones—while sponges belong to the Phylum Porifera. Brain coral is a colonial species that consists of many individual polyps that grow in a round, maze-like pattern. In contrast, sponges are single-celled organisms that consist of pores and channels for filtering water. Sponges are filter feeders and do not have a stomach or digestive system, wile brain coral does digest food using a gut cavity.
Keeping Brain Corals in an Aquarium
Brain corals can be easy to keep if you maintain natural sea water parameters in your aquarium. Brain corals are fairly tolerant of higher than ideal phosphate and nitrate levels, compared to other corals. To keep these corals healthy and thriving, you should monitor the water parameters regularly to ensure they stay within the recommended range for saltwater aquariums. Additionally, make sure that your aquarium has plenty of light and flow, as brain corals require bright light and strong water movement. With proper care, brain corals can be beautiful and long-lived additions to any reef tank.
Source: positivereefinitiative.com
The Hardiness of Brain Corals
Yes, brain corals are considered to be hardy and easy to care for in aquariums. They require gentle water flow and moderate light, with red specimens needing more shade or indirect light. Brain corals are generally tolerant of a wide range of water parameters and can tolerate lower levels of calcium and alkalinity than many other stony coral species. They can also survive short periods of time without light if necessary, whch makes them a good choice for those just starting out in reef aquariums. With proper care, brain corals can live for several years in the home aquarium.
Identifying Brain Coral
Brain coral can be identified by its distinctive surface texture, which is characterized by ridges and grooves running across the colony. The ridges of brain coral vary in size, with some species having narrow ridges and others having wide ridges. One of the most recognizable species is Diploria labyrinthiformis, which has distinctively deep grooves running down its ridges. Brain coral also typically has a bumpy texture and is often brown or yellow in color. To tell these corals apart, take note of the ridge size and texture of the coral surface.
Conclusion
In conclusion, brain coral is an amazing species of coral found in the wild and in aquariums. It can grow up to six feet tall, live for up to 900 years and is highly valued for its rare appearance. Scientists have even used the grooved surface of brain coral to investigate ways to give spherical wheels appropriate grip strength. Although brain coral does not possess brains, it can be quite dangerous as it is venomous due to its nematocysts that inject venom into unsuspecting victims when they are touched. Brain coral is a unique species that deserves the respect of anyone who encounters it.
