White Coral (Lophelia Pertusa)
Corals inhabit a wide range of habitats. Some can be found in temperate habitats while others are located in polar ones. Corals are very rare in the fossil record. Corals need saltwater in order to survive. Many corals found on reefs have relationships with bacteria. White corals might have evolved from Hydrozoa.
Like all other cnidarians, white corals do not contain a cardiovascular system; they have a gastrovascular cavity. This means that there is only one opening in the entire coral. This space is both a mouth and an anus. Seawater, nutrients and other materials enter the gastrovascular cavity and circulate throughout the coral. Corals possess a unique cell called a cnidocyte which helps the coral obtain food. This cell facilitates circulation because it contributes to the digestion of these foods inside the coral. When the food is digested, it flows easily to the rest of the coral. Additionally, fish that have a symbiotic relationship with coral also aid them in circulation of substances.
Like all other cnidarians, white corals do not contain a cardiovascular system; they have a gastrovascular cavity. This means that there is only one opening in the entire coral. This space is both a mouth and an anus. Seawater, nutrients and other materials enter the gastrovascular cavity and circulate throughout the coral. Corals possess a unique cell called a cnidocyte which helps the coral obtain food. This cell facilitates circulation because it contributes to the digestion of these foods inside the coral. When the food is digested, it flows easily to the rest of the coral. Additionally, fish that have a symbiotic relationship with coral also aid them in circulation of substances.