Coral reefs thrive on a variety of marine life, including the fishes, algae, and zooplankton that inhabit them. Here we take a closer look at some of the different types of organisms that feed on coral reefs and how they can benefit your aquarium. These creatures are also known as corallivores. However, if you want to maximize your reef’s health, you’ll need to understand how to feed them.
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Fishes
Coral fish feed on algae and other plant matter on the surface of the reef. Some fishes eat entire coral polyps, others gnaw off a small portion of the skeleton, and others feed on the dead coral substrate. These fishes are known as corallivores, and account for over half of all coral-feeding fish species. Other fish species feed on the exposed body parts of other invertebrates.
Cardinal Fishes are the largest group of reef-feeding fish. They spend the day in the caverns and coral and feed on crab and shrimp. Their unique coloration helps them hide from bigger predators. These fishes have different color patterns, but all have the same function. While the lionfish eats plankton and triggerfish, the emerald goby feeds on algae and coral sponges.
Zooplankton
There is debate over the role of zooplankton in coral reef feeding. Research suggests that zooplankton play a minimal role in the feeding of corals, and may even be nonexistent. This contribution may depend on depth, light availability, and polyp size. Different coral species gain energy from different sources, so it is important to understand how they use zooplankton to sustain themselves.
As the largest group of microbes, zooplankton feed on corals, sponges, and algae. The demersal zooplankton have highly visible swimming movements, making them an easy prey for daytime predators. On the other hand, benthic predators are more difficult to detect. As a result, coral reefs can feed on zooplankton during the tidal cycle.
Algae
In some regions, the effects of terrestrial runoff on coral reefs have been characterized by the occurrence of mass spawning episodes of green algae. This event is characterized by the presence of nine different species of algae from five genera, occurring predictably on the same morning. Although these mass spawning episodes have not been correlated with tidal or lunar cycles, they do have significant ecological implications for the community of corals.
Algae can overgrow corals, resulting in a decline in coral reef health. The presence of algae is also related to eutrophication and harmful algal bloom, which occur when excess nutrients enter the marine ecosystem. Often, these nutrients are derived from agricultural runoff or from wastewater leaks. These factors can further exacerbate the condition of algae on coral reefs. Moreover, the lack of herbivores can lead to an overgrowth of algae.
Artemia
Various studies have shown that artemia is a key component of coral reef food chains. The lack of food supplies hampers the growth of the desired animals. For example, the spawning cues of certain coral species may not be properly communicated to their prey. The size of the artemia colonies is limited, so they may not produce enough of these valuable products for the aquarium. Also, the presence of the right kinds of prey may cause undesirable effects to other corals.
Various species of zooplankton feed on the nauplii of Artemia. The feeding process boosts the concentration of fatty acids, alcohols, and sterols in the soft tissues of corals. These lipid stores allow the corals to deal with stress better. Without feeding, the corals would have to rely solely on the capture of prey or on the energy reserves in their coral colonies.
Mysis
Mysis are omnivorous shrimp that feed on plankton and diatoms. Their diets include both microbial matter, such as algae and krill, and animal matter like detritus. Some species will also feed on fish waste. Females can carry up to 30 fry at a time. A typical brood consists of 6-7 young. Adding Mysis-Feast to your aquarium’s water can dramatically improve its health and vitality.
Mysis Feast is a liquid feed that you can mix with 250ml of water for enriching live copepods, rotifers, and brine shrimp. Make sure to store the feed in the refrigerator between uses. A stronger solution can be made by adding 8-10 scoops to 250ml of water. If you are attempting to add amino acids to frozen foods, you can add a couple of tablespoons to a 250ml container. Let the food soak for about five to 10 minutes to ensure its optimal nutritional value.
Surgeonfish
Surgeonfish on coral reefs exhibit striking morphology and behavior, contributing to an enormous range of ecosystem processes. Understanding how fishes perform specific functions can shed light on the interactions between their ecological and social roles. However, there are a small number of species that disproportionately contribute to particular functions. Her research will investigate the interacting effects of algal growth and fish grazing on the development and maintenance of reef systems.
Mel Dawson, a graduate of the University of Tasmania, has been involved in various research projects on coral reefs in the Solomon Islands. She has studied the effect of seaweed competition on the growth and survival of coral. Her research will also help predict the response of coral reefs to phase shifts. She is also interested in the role of herbivory, season, and macroalgal patch dynamics on coral reef recovery. Eventually, her research will be put into simulation models for tropical reef ecosystems.
