Coral scientists have discovered a unique way for free-living corals, like Cycloseris cyclolites, to move and navigate in search of better living conditions. Led by Dr. Brett Lewis from Queensland University of Technology, the research team used high-resolution time-lapse imaging to study how this small coral species uses pulsed inflation to propel itself forward.
The findings show that Cycloseris cyclolites can inflate and deflate its tissue in rhythmic bursts, similar to jellyfish movement, to move towards light sources. This mechanism is crucial for migration and navigation, and allows the coral to respond to changes in its environment.
Interestingly, the corals exhibit a strong preference for blue light, with 86.7% moving towards blue light sources compared to just 20% for white light. This aligns with their preference for deeper water habitats, where blue wavelengths dominate.
The study’s implications are significant, as understanding how migratory corals move can help scientists predict how they will respond to changes in environmental conditions, such as sea surface changes caused by climate change. Faster migration can lead to increased survival chances. The research provides new insights into coral mobility mechanisms and highlights the importance of considering their unique movement strategies in conservation efforts.
Note: DOI 10.1371/journal.pone.0315623
Source: https://phys.org/news/2025-01-jellyfish-coral-mobility-mechanisms-uncovered.html