Feeding Corals

[hunk]

Hi Everybody

I would like to know what does corals feed on. I understand that they need strong light but may I know what does the light does for them? I heard from my friend that thye light enable them to produce food but it sounds illogical to me as they arent plants therefore, I would like to know what do they exactly feed on.

[Wazzucycler]

Originally posted by hunk
Hi Everybody

I would like to know what does corals feed on. I understand that they need strong light but may I know what does the light does for them? I heard from my friend that thye light enable them to produce food but it sounds illogical to me as they arent plants therefore, I would like to know what do they exactly feed on.

Corals are indeed animals as they pull organic material out of the water and other microscopic organisms. They need the light as they have a symbiotic relationship with a dinoflagellate algae that uses the sunlight for photosynthesis. Without the light and the dinoflagellates, coral growth is very poor in nature and pretty much impossible in the aquarium.

Jeff

[VoodooChild]

What species are you thinking of? Diversity in corals is as great as that of fish. Everyone needs something different.........kinda.

[g. mcclean]

You need to buy or borrow a good book on corals--Eric Borneman's book is great! As Voodoo Child said they are all different, even ones in the same family.