Gorgoria

Gorgoria is a term often used to refer to a group of coral species, particularly those belonging to the order Alcyonacea. These corals are commonly known as soft corals or sea fans due to their flexible, fan-like structures. Gorgoria corals are found in a variety of marine environments, from shallow reef habitats to deep-sea settings.

Characteristics

Gorgoria corals are characterized by their flexible, tree-like structures, which are composed of a protein called gorgonin. Unlike hard corals, Gorgoria corals do not produce a hard, calcium carbonate skeleton. Instead, their bodies are supported by tiny, calcified spicules and the gorgonin protein.

Habitat and Distribution

Gorgoria corals are found in a variety of marine environments around the world. They are particularly common in tropical and subtropical waters, where they form an important part of reef ecosystems. However, some species can also be found in colder, deep-sea environments.

Ecology

Like many corals, Gorgoria corals are symbiotic organisms. They host tiny, photosynthetic algae known as zooxanthellae in their tissues, which provide the corals with nutrients through photosynthesis. In return, the corals provide the algae with a safe place to live.

Conservation

Many species of Gorgoria corals are threatened by human activities such as overfishing, pollution, and climate change. These threats can lead to coral bleaching, a phenomenon in which the corals expel their symbiotic algae and turn white. If the bleaching event is severe or prolonged, the corals can die.

See Also

• Coral reef
• Coral bleaching
• Alcyonacea

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