![]() Under these circumstances, the coral will receive less energy from the zoxanthellae and will have less protection against UV have radiation. of the algae nutrients in the water, the zooxanthellae population will weaken to the level that can only be supported if the algae nutrints are delivered directly to the coral. An ideal zooxanthellae population density will provide the coral with the energy needed for the accelerated growth of the corals. The increase in the population of zoxanthellae also causes the corals to darken with a deep brown hue that obscures the natural vibrant pigments of the coral. If the extra food is no longer available for the coral, it can become malnourished. This creates competition between the zoxanthelles and the coral. The high nutrient over-density of the zoxanthella population disrupts the natural balance. ![]() However, in an artificial reef aquarium the amount of nutrients accumulating algae is quickly used up and if uncontrolled an over-density of the zoxanthella population will arise. In nature, the zoxanthelle population is controlled by the algae nutrients (nitrates and phosphates) secreted by the coral. In nature, the zoxanthellae protect the corals against intense ultraviolet (UV) radiation by absorbing the light energy and shading the delicate inner layers of the coral soft tissues. It is this symbiotic relationship, in which the nutrients are recycled, that is the key to ecological success.Īnother aspect of this symbiosis relates to photo protection against strong radiation. The coral host provides the zoxanthellae with nutrients, nitrogen compounds, phosphates and carbon dioxide (CO2). The zooxanthellae use strong sunlight from the tropical reef as a primary energy source and transmit up to 95% of their photosynthesis (carbohydrates, amino acids and fatty acids) to their coral host, using the balance for their own metabolism. These energy fuels take care of all the coral's metabolic processes such as the production and skeletogenisis protein. Approximately 85% of the energy of the corals comes from the zooxanthellae, the remaining 15% in the soft tissue comes from metabolizing coral nutrints (carbohydrates, amino acids and fatty acids) from the surrounding water. In a natural reef, corals host zooxanthellae populations with densities of 0.5-5 million / cm2, located within the coral soft tissue. In order to successfully manage unwanted algae, and to maximize coral growth or discoloration within a reef aquarium, it is essential to understand the role of symbiotic zoxanthella algae and the relationship with the coral.
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