6. The Mushroom Coral (Fungia fungites)
Real to its name, the Mushroom Coral looks like a massive underwater mushroom. Unique in its disc-like form and capacity to move—albeit slowly—this single coral species The Mushroom Coral distinguishes itself with an adult free-living way of life. While most corals stay tightly attached to their substrate all their lives, mature Mushroom Corals can disengage and gently travel around the sea floor. Their remarkable capacity lets them reposition themselves for improved access to food and light or avoid bad circumstances. Attached to the substrate, the Mushroom Coral begins its life; but, as it grows it forms a “stalk” that finally breaks free. Once released, the coral can fill its body with water to become buoyant and use mild currents to float to fresh sites. In places with great sedimentation, where the coral may raise itself above the silt to prevent suffocated conditions, this mobility is especially helpful. The unusual form of the Mushroom Coral also serves a function since its big, flat surface area maximises light availability for its symbiotic algae. With some specimens measuring up to 25 cm in diameter, these corals can get really big. Climate change, ocean acidification, and collection for the aquarium trade pose challenges to Mushroom Corals notwithstanding their resilience. Research on these corals will help scientists better grasp coral mobility and adaptive mechanisms, therefore offering insightful information for attempts at coral protection.