Walking Coral: The Moving Wonders of the Ocean

While most corals remain anchored to the ocean floor, some species defy expectations. The free-living coral Cycloseris cyclolites is one such marvel, demonstrating an unexpected ability to move.

Scientists have long been puzzled by how these corals navigate their environment. Recent research has uncovered fascinating details about their locomotion, shedding light on how they actively migrate toward favorable habitats.

The Discovery of Moving Corals

Unlike traditional corals that remain fixed to the substrate, Cycloseris cyclolites has evolved to move independently.

Scientists discovered that this coral species exhibits phototactic mobility, meaning it responds to light cues to determine its movement.

Through controlled experiments, researchers observed that these corals strongly prefer blue light over white light, guiding them to deeper waters where conditions are more stable.

The Mechanism Behind Movement

The movement of Cycloseris cyclolites is not random. Instead, it follows a structured process involving three key factors: tissue inflation, substrate interaction, and lateral tissue contraction.

The coral inflates its soft tissues, adjusting its contact with the ocean floor, while coordinated contractions push it forward in a pulsed manner.

This movement resembles the swimming mechanism of jellyfish, a rare and surprising trait in corals.

The Role of Light in Coral Navigation

Light plays a crucial role in the coral’s migration.

In experimental conditions, 86.7% of tested corals moved toward blue light, while only 20% responded to white light.

This preference aligns with their natural habitat in deeper waters, where blue wavelengths penetrate more effectively.

Scientists speculate that this behavior helps corals avoid harsh environmental conditions such as excessive heat and strong currents in shallower regions.

Implications for Marine Science

The discovery of active movement in corals challenges traditional assumptions about their behavior.

It suggests that corals possess a more complex neural and sensory system than previously thought.

Understanding their mobility can provide insights into coral resilience, habitat selection, and responses to environmental changes.

As marine ecosystems face increasing threats, studying such adaptive behaviors is crucial for conservation efforts.

Our team may have used AI to assist in the creation of this content, which has been reviewed by our editors.